alcohol-based hand sanitizer

cleansing agent

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Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a quick-drying, gelatinous cleanser primarily containing alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. It is applied to the hands to remove common pathogens, disease-causing organisms.12

Hand sanitizers typically come in foam, gel, or liquid forms and are recommended when soap and water are unavailable for hand washing. Alcohol-based products usually contain 60-95% alcohol, which denatures proteins to neutralize microorganisms. While generally effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, they are less effective against bacterial spores, nonenveloped viruses, and when hands are visibly soiled. Agencies like the WHO and CDC promote alcohol-based sanitizers over alcohol-free options due to potential safety concerns with chemicals in the latter.2

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hand sanitizer
Types of hand sanitizers
Alcohol-based products typically contain between 60 and 95 percent alcohol, usually in the form of ethanol, isopropanol, or n-propanol.^1,⁶ At those concentrations, alcohol immediately denatures proteins, effectively neutralizing certain types of microorganisms.^2,^4,⁶
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Alcohol-based products typically contain between 60 and 95 percent alcohol, usually in the form of ethanol, isopropanol, or n-propanol.^1,⁶ At those concentrations, alcohol immediately denatures proteins, effectively neutralizing certain types of microorganisms.^2,^4,⁶
Read More