Hand Sanitizers: The Real Truth

Who wouldn't be tempted with the guarantee of killing %99.9 of the germs leading to common sicknesses, and a fruity scented aroma to boot. Hand sanitizers nowadays have emerged as indispensable as your comb. Kids quickly rub some on before lunch, grandparents urge their grandchildren to use it after playing on the playground, and some prefer it over water and soap, believing it's more effective.

The question arises eventually though of the true competence of these products. Do they accomplish what they guarantee, how does the process work, and which brands stand out as the best.

Hand sanitizers effectiveness starts with its formula. The base of all hand sanitizers is alcohol. Add to this vitamin e, aloe vera (or another softening ingredient), and glycerin. The essential, and germ killing ingredient in hand sanitizers is the alcohol, and the minimum amount one needs for a sanitizer is %60.

The process of germ killing starts by removing the oil on the skin, this staunches bacteria present in the body from coming to the surface. Then the alcohol kills the bacteria once rubbed over the hands.

This process sounds efficient, and viable...but is it truly?

The %99.9 percent germ killing claim by manufacturers is definitely their most persuasive tagline. But does this claim stand true in real life?

Tests performed recently have shattered this claim. For example, manufacturers perform the germ killing test on a inanimate objects, such as tables, and chairs. The human hand though is complex, a warm, living surface that is much more vulnerable to germ growth and attack. These manufacturers also perform these experiments in controlled situations with constant variables. Daily life is not controlled, and so is susceptibility to germs. If these tests were to have been conducted using live humans, the %99.9 claim would have to be removed.

Hand sanitizing is sensible in situations without water and soap, but evidence has proven that hand sanitizing is not a viable replacement to water and soap. The ideal uses of hand sanitizers are during quick trips to the grocery store, play ground, or anyplace where there isn't a clean bathroom to go to.

Hand sanitizers actually weaken in potency if one hasn't washed their hands in a long time. This is because hand sanitizers can't stand up to certain grease, and germ buildups after a full day of work.

Using wipes and gels in conjunction have also shown to be advantageous. The wipes clear oils off the hands, while the gel's alcohol kills the bacteria. Wipes are also useful when wiping the shopping cart's handle at the grocery store.

There is really no best brand in hand sanitizers, it comes down to the alcohol concentration, and ingredients in oil reduction. Stay away from hand sanitizers with less than %60 in alcohol though, these prove to be useless in the long run.