Hand sanitizers provide a measure of protection against germs when you don't have access to soap and water for hand washing. Purell Hand Sanitizer is one of the best-known products of this type on the market. The Purell formula contains one active ingredient that kills microbes on your hands, and a number of inactive ingredients that each serve a specific purpose.
Active Ingredient
Purell Hand Sanitizer contains 65 percent ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, which is listed on the product website as its active ingredient. This meets the Food and Drug Administration recommendation of 65 to 95 percent ethanol or isopropanol in hand sanitizers.
While alcohol is a mild drying agent, research shows that alcohol hand rubs cause less dryness than frequent soap and water washing, according to a fact sheet published by Wesleyan University as part of an infection control program at the school. This may be because most alcohol hand rubs contain emollients and skin conditioners in addition to their active ingredient.
Emollients
Purell contains several emollients, ingredients that soften and moisturize the skin. Glycerin and propylene glycol are humectants, substances that attract and hold water. They keep the hand sanitizer from drying out, and counteract the drying effects of ethyl alcohol. Some people may have a skin reaction to propylene glycol, which is also an ingredient in antifreeze.
Tocopheryl acetate is a chemical form of vitamin E. It serves as a skin conditioner and anti-oxidant in many cosmetics.
Stabilizers
Other ingredients in Purell help to stabilize the gel and give the product its texture. These include aminomethyl propanol, which adjusts the PH balance of the solution; carbomer, which helps to stabilize the solution and increases its viscosity to make it more gel-like; and isopropyl myristate, a binder that helps to keep all the ingredients from separating.
Miscellaneous
Purell Hand Sanitizer contains a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, a solvent that speeds evaporation of the product after you spread it on your skin, and an unidentified fragrance.
Purell With Aloe
Purell with Aloe Hand Sanitizer contains all of the above ingredients, along with artificial colors FD&C yellow no. 5 (tartrazine), FD&C blue no. 1, and aloe barbadensis leaf juice, better known as aloe vera juice.
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