Best Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer in 2024
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- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
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Find Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer
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Hand Sanitizer Spray - Everyone
Product Details
- Contains 62% alcohol content derived from non-GMO sugar-cane, making it 99.9% effective against most common germs.
- Infused with essential oils of lemon and coconut for a pleasant scent.
- Includes moisturizing ingredients like vegetable glycerin and jojoba seed oil to prevent hands from drying out.
- Packaged in 100% recycled plastic bottles.
- Travel-sized and TSA compliant, making it convenient for on-the-go use.
- EWG verified, GMO free, cruelty free, gluten free, paraben free, triclosan free, and synthetic fragrance free.
- Committed to a zero waste mission; uses 100% recyclable materials for shipping packaging.
- Manufactured in a family-owned and operated factory in San Rafael, California.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Compact
- Scented
Cons Mentioned
- Residue
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Ethanol 62%, Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Flavor Extract, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Aminomethyl Propanol
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Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Hand Sanitizer Naturals with Plant Based Alcohol - Purell
Product Details
- Made with naturally derived plant-based ethanol.
- Provides 2X Sanitizing Strength - one squirt of Purell equals two squirts of other national brands.
- Outperforms other hand sanitizers ounce-for-ounce.
- Certified by EcoLogo and USDA as a biobased product.
- Formulated with essential oils and natural skin conditioners.
- Free of triclosan, parabens, phthalates, and harsh preservatives.
- Contains 93 percent biobased content.
- Does not create supergerms, as the alcohol formulation kills germs quickly and evaporates fast.
- Ideal for situations where soap and water are not available.
- Trusted and used by hospitals, clinically proven to maintain skin health.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Portable
- Non-drying
- Pleasant-smell
Cons Mentioned
- Gel
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol 70% V/V
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User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray - Dr. Bronner's
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Refreshing
- Versatile
- Calming
Cons Mentioned
- Stinky
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Organic Fair Trade Ethyl Alcohol (62%)*, Water, Organic Glycerin**, Organic Lavender Oil *Certified Fair Trade Ingredient **Sourced From Organic Soy
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Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Hand Sanitizer Spray for Adults and Kids - Attitude
Product Details
- EWG Verified for clean ingredients and full transparency.
- Formulated with natural orange leaves extract to revitalize skin.
- Contains ethanol with antiseptic properties to effectively kill bacteria and germs.
- Dermatologically tested to ensure skin compatibility.
- Vegan, free from animal-derived ingredients.
- Infused with watercress and Indian cress to purify the skin.
- Gentle floral fragrance with notes of orange blossom and eucalyptus.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smells
- Compact
- Non-sticky
Cons Mentioned
- Odd
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Ethyl Alcohol (72%), Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Extract, Tropaeolum Majus (Indian Cress) Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Hexyl Salicylate, Geranyl Acetate, Hexyl Acetate
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Hand Sanitizer - Aura Cacia
Product Details
- Produced in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
- Does not contain a thickening agent per WHO guidelines.
- Recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for use when soap and water are not available, with a minimum of 60% alcohol content.
- Incorporates a squirt top for ease of use and portability.
- No animal testing involved in its production.
- Optimal storage should be between 15-30°C (59-86°F).
- Should be kept from freezing and excessive heat above 40°C (104°F).
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Alcohol 80.0%; Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water USP, Glycerin, Hydrogen Peroxide
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Hand Sanitizer Gel - EO
Product Details
- Contains 62% ethanol, exceeding CDC recommendations for hand sanitization
- Organic, plant-based formula
- Infused with organic botanical extracts
- Sanitizes and moisturizes without the need for water
- Offers a natural alternative to chemical-laden hand sanitizers
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Scent
- Non-drying
- Smooth
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Ethanol; Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, EO Essential Oil Blend [Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil], Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Aminomethyl Propanol
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
On Guard Sanitizing Mist - Doterra
Product Details
- Kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria
- Infused with doTERRA On Guard Protective Blend for an invigorating citrus spice aroma
- Contains moisturizing apple extract
- Ideal for cleansing hands when soap and water are unavailable
- Convenient for travel and on-the-go use
- Useful for sanitizing hands after touching gym equipment, door handles, and shopping carts
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Moisturizing
- Smells great
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, Water (Aqua), Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf/Stem Oil
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Organic Beeswax Hand Sanitizer Pocket Spray - Bee Clean
Product Details
- Comes in a convenient, recyclable spray-on mist form for mess-free application.
- Kills 99.9% of germs using natural antimicrobial peptides and organic ethyl alcohol.
- Moisturizes hands with beeswax, vitamin E, avocado oil, and apricot seed oil, ensuring softness without leaving a sticky residue.
- Infused with refreshing essential oils of citrus peppermint and lavender for a revitalizing scent.
- Designed in a compact size that easily fits into small spaces like clutches and side pockets.
- Each bottle contains up to 200 uses despite its small size.
- Packaging and ingredients are eco-friendly and organic, affirming a commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Product made in the USA and is a NM True Certified item, showcasing local certification.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Compact
- Moisturizing
- Scented
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Organic Ethyl Alcohol, Distilled Water, Organic Peppermint Oil, Organic Lemon Oil, Organic Apricot Oil, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Vitamin E, Organic Polylysine
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier with Peppermint Oil - Young Living
Product Details
- Effectively keeps hands clean and fresh.
- Suitable for the whole family, promoting good hygiene practices.
- Formulated to not dry out the skin, ensuring soft hands after each use.
- Includes a convenient six-bottle pack for multiple location usage like home, car, or bag.
- Infused with peppermint oil, providing a refreshing hand feel.
- Dermatologist-tested and suitable for both adults and children.
- Gentle formula provides a nourishing alternative to harsh sanitizers.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smells
- Non-drying
- Quality
Cons Mentioned
- Expensive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Alcohol Denat, Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Mentha Piperita† (Peppermint) Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus† (Clove) Bud Oil, Citrus Limon† (Lemon) Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Radiata† Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis† (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) Bark Oil, †Premium Essential Oil
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Hand Sanitizer Gel - Hello Bello
Product Details
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel
- Formulated to kill germs and bacteria
- Enriched with Aloe and Vitamin E to promote soft skin
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Value
- Nourishing
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Watery
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: (Active) Ethyl Alcohol 75%, Water, Isopropyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Carbomer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Natural Fragrance
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Plant-Based Hand Sanitizer Spray - The Honest Company
Product Details
- Effectively kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria with 62% ethyl alcohol content
- Quick-drying formula combines naturally-derived glycerin and aloe to moisturize skin without leaving a sticky residue
- Ideal for use on the go, suitable in situations with no access to soap and water
- Free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and chlorine processing
- EWG Certified and Cruelty-Free
- Dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic
- Made in the USA
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Portable
- Affordable
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Smell
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Ethyl Alcohol (72%), Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Extract, Tropaeolum Majus (Indian Cress) Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Hexyl Salicylate, Geranyl Acetate, Hexyl Acetate
Common Harmful Chemicals in Hand Sanitizer
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Butylparaben, a chemical used in various products, has been shown to cause skin irritation in humans and potential sensitization in dermatitis patients. Animal studies indicate that it has low to moderate oral toxicity and can cause damage to the liver, spleen, and thymus. It can also lead to cell proliferation in rats' stomachs, though it was not found to be carcinogenic or mutagenic. However, it may negatively impact sperm viability and activity, as demonstrated in different in vitro and in vivo studies. Lastly, it proposed weaker aquatic toxicity compared to parabens with longer alkyl chains, but still showed estrogenic effects in certain fish species.
Ethylparaben is a chemical used as a preservative in various products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and adhesives. It exhibits low toxicity in humans and animals, but can cause skin irritation, particularly when applied to damaged skin, and may worsen pre-existing skin conditions. Despite causing cell proliferation in rats' forestomachs and chromosomal aberrations in a hamster ovary cell test, it has shown no evidence of causing cancer. However, it was found to be toxic to fetuses at doses toxic to the mother, though it did not cause malformations (nonteratogenic). Interestingly, while it impacted sperm viability in lab conditions, it showed no negative effects on mouse sperm in actuality.
Campaign For Safe Cosmetics: Parabens, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Parabens At A Glance, What to Know About Parabens, The effects of ethylparaben and propylparaben on the development and fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster, Ethylparaben, Amended Safety Assessment of Parabens as Used in Cosmetics, WHAT ARE PARABENS: CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, Biomonitoring Summary
Isobutylparaben belongs to the paraben family of preservatives used in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. Parabens mimic estrogen and have been found in breast cancer tumors in some studies. Parabens are commonly found in various personal care products and foods and have been associated with endocrine disruption, skin cancer risk, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential behavioral changes in offspring when exposed during gestation.
Isopropylparaben belongs to the parabens family of preservatives utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. Parabens have estrogen-mimicking properties and pose a potential risk as endocrine disruptors. Research has detected parabens in the breast cancer tumors of a significant number of studied women, raising concerns about their safety and hormonal effects.
Methylparaben is an antimicrobial preservative used in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Some individuals can develop contact dermatitis on skin exposure, and allergic reactions have been reported on ingestion, though the evidence is not conclusive. Data from animal studies suggest that methylparaben is practically non-toxic and non-irritating in normal skin conditions, with high thresholds for observed adverse effects. However, it showed chromosome aberrations in a cell assay and variable results in different uterotrophic assays. An ecotoxicity study found changes in the expression of certain genes at specific concentrations in male medaka, a type of fish.
2-Phenoxyethanol is a hazardous substance toxic by all routes of exposure, and is used widely in products like cosmetics, soaps, and inks, among others. The effects of exposure to this faintly aromatic, colorless, oily liquid can include eye irritation, headaches, tremors, and CNS depression. It's crucial to rinse exposed eyes with tepid water for at least 15 minutes and to wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water in case of contact. The substance requires preheating before ignition can occur, and if involved in a fire, gentle water spray can extinguish the fire by inducing frothing.
Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Phthalates in Cosmetics, Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure, A Survey of Phthalates and Parabens in Personal Care Products from the United States and Its Implications for Human Exposure, Phthalates Factsheet, BPA and Phthalates: Chemicals found in our homes
Propylparaben is a stable, non-volatile compound utilized as an antimicrobial preservative in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Human exposure can cause sensitization especially if applied to damaged skin and may cause contact sensitivity with high concentrations. Extensive animal studies reveal that propylparaben is relatively non-toxic, yet it can mildly irritate skin, affect sperm counts in substantial levels, and trigger cell proliferation in the forestomach of rats. However, it is not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or clastogenic, and a significant no-observed-adverse-effect level was reported in rats. Ecotoxicity studies show that it can lead to an increase in plasma vitellogenin levels in rainbow trout and a significant decline of vitellogenin production in zebrafish at varying concentrations.
Styrene is a colorless to yellowish, oily liquid used mainly in plastic, synthetic rubber, and resin production but also as a flavoring agent. Acute human exposure can cause irritation, drowsiness, and vertigo, with skin blistering and dermatitis resulting from long-term contact. It has been linked to increased rates of certain types of cancer, liver effects, and problems with the reproductive system. Animal studies have similarly shown irritation, central nervous system effects, and links to cancers. Styrene's endocrine disruptor activity appears negligible in humans and other vertebrates, but there is evidence of impact in certain aquatic species.
1,4-Dioxane is a clear, water-soluble liquid that is primarily used as a solvent in chemical manufacturing and laboratory reagents. Other uses leverage its solvent properties, including cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos. However, manufacturers generally reduce 1,4-Dioxane to low levels in these products due to its potential health risks. Acute exposure can result in symptoms such as vertigo, drowsiness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage, and the substance is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. Notably, severe kidney and liver damage, CNS effects, and even death have been recorded after heavy or prolonged exposure.
What Is 1,4-Dioxane in Laundry and Cleaning Products?, Effect of ethoxylation and lauryl alcohol on the self-assembly of sodium laurylsulfate: Significant structural and rheological transformation, Final Risk Evaluation for 1,4-Dioxane, Ongoing and Completed Chemical Risk Evaluations under TSCA, Preliminary Information on Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution, Use, and Disposal, TOXICOLOGICAL REVIEW OF 1,4-DIOXANE, 15th Report on Carcinogens, 1,4-Dioxane, Determination of residual 1,4-dioxane in surfactants and cleaning agents using headspace single-drop microextraction followed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection, 1,4-Dioxane in Cosmetics: A Manufacturing Byproduct, An integrated assessment of the 1,4-dioxane cancer mode of action and threshold response in rodents, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Occurrence of 1,4-dioxane in cosmetic raw materials and finished cosmetic products, Chemical Profile: 1,4-dioxane
Chloroxylenol is a widely used disinfectant in homes and hospitals. It is also used as a preservative in liquid soaps. However, there are reports of individuals, specifically housekeepers, developing allergic contact dermatitis as a result of exposure to this chemical.
Testicular Toxicity of Chloroxylenol in Rats: Biochemical, Pathological and Flow Cytometric Study, Human health risk assessment of chloroxylenol in liquid hand soap and dishwashing soap used by consumers and health-care professionals, Chemical Profile: Chloroxylenol, Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Removal of Chloroxylenol Disinfectant by an Activated Sludge Microbial Community, Chloroxylenol at environmental concentrations can promote conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes by multiple mechanisms, Impact of benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol on bacterial antimicrobial resistance, Human exposure and health risk assessment of an increasingly used antibacterial alternative in personal care products: Chloroxylenol, RED FACTS: Chloroxylenol