Review (5/5): Isopropyl-based hand sanitizer that meets both CDC & WHO guidelines
Much of the hand sanitizer we have been using is ETHYL alcohol (ethanol) based. THIS sanitizer is ISOPROPYL alcohol based. Note that historically most hand sanitizer has been based on isopropyl alcohol whereas ethanol has been used in things like alcohol that you drink of as a gasoline additive for oxygenated fuels (for environmental purposes) as well as other purposes. Isopropyl has been used in hand sanitizer and "rubbing alcohol" among other things. Both are now approved for use in hand sanitizer. Ethynol-based sanitzers are becoming much more common due to high demand and supply constraints on Isopropyl-based sanitizers.
The interesting thing is that the CDC and WHO have different guidelines for hand sanitizer effectiveness for these two types of alcohol:
CDC: Ethyl - at least 60%, Isopropyl - at least 70%
WHO: Ethyl - at least 80%, Isopropyl - at least 75%
You can see that it is interesting that the CDC recommends higher concentrations of Isopropyl whereas WHO recommends higher concentrations of Ethyl. Curious. Rather than dig into too many details on the difference, the easiest thing is to find a way to meet both...
The most common ethyl alcohol hand sanitizers that we have been getting (and the most common out there) are 70% -- which exceeds CDC 60% threshold, but is below the 80% WHO threshold.
THIS SANITIZER has an ISOPROPYL concentration of 75% which exceeds the CDC 70% threshold and meets the WHO 75% threshold.
Clearly these thresholds are not hard limits as indicated by the difference of opinion between CDC and WHO, but it is mildly comforting to meet both recommendations if you can do so with no downside or extra expense.
WHAT I LIKE:
* Easily squeezes out of bottle in controlled amount as a gel
* Rubs in easily and absorbs within less than a minute to leave no noticeable residue or tackiness on your hands
* Aloe helps to keep your hands moist, fighting the drying effects of the alcohol
* Small bottles are easy to take in car, backpack, purse, etc.
* Scent is minor and dissipates quickly (we're not using this for its smell after all)
SUMMARY:
A cost effective way to keep you hands sanitized when you can't use soap & water. Meets both CDC and WHO guidelines for effective hand sanitizer formulations.