What’s the Difference Between Alcohol-Free VS Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers?

alcohol based vs alcohol free hand sanitizer

Alcohol-free hand sanitizers aren’t as effective as alcohol-based ones. Sanitizers without alcohol lack the necessary ingredient to kill most viruses, fungi, and bacteria, alcohol. Alcohol can kill germs and viruses up to 99% according the FDA. Alcohol-free sanitizers contain quarternary ammonium. These are effective for killing microbes, but they still aren’t as strong as alcohol.

Green Care Hand Sanitizer Gel- 500ml / 16.9 fl.oz, 70% Alcohol

Alcohol-based sanitizers contain either ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or n-propanol. These not only kill bacteria like MRSA and E Coli, but viruses too. Some of these viruses are MERS-CoV, HIV, Influenza, Hepatitis A, and Rhinovirus. Alcohol works by destroying a virus’ envelope protein. Without this protein, the virus can’t survive or replicate.

According to the CDC, being alcohol-based isn’t enough. It has to be a minimum of 60% alcohol to be considered effective. Those that are less than 60% aren’t as effective at killing bacteria and only reduces germ growth, not kill. Some sanitizers at 60% can’t kill all types of germs. For example, norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Clostridium difficile are better prevented with handwashing than sanitizers. You’ll also want to be using sanitizer properly. When you apply the sanitizer you mustn’t wipe it off while it’s drying or touch surfaces until it’s dry. You want to apply it over both sides of your hands and fingertips as well. If you are going to purchase a hand sanitizer, you’ll want the highest concentration available to kill 99% of germs and bacteria.

Using high concentrated hand sanitizers does come at a price. Many of them are drying to the skin and can cause cracking or peeling. Some brands even use fragrances that can irritate the skin. Another concern is if ingested, alcohol-based sanitizers can kill or harm you. It should be monitored when using around children and kept out of their reach. With alcohol-free sanitizers, they usually include an extract or moisturizing agent to prevent cracking. One important thing to note is that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are generally less expensive and are more environmentally friendly.

The Green Care Hand Sanitizer has a 70% concentration of alcohol and all-natural extracts. These extracts are included to protect the skin against cracks or drying. Green Tea extract is in a plethora of beauty products for its anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, and anticarcinogens. Artemisia Princeps Extract helps improve dry skin in atopic dermatitis. It also has antioxidant properties. For a 500ml bottle (16.9oz), it’s low prices and you can even buy in bulk which lowers the price per bottle.

[see Green Care Hans Sanitizer Gel detailed description]