Can Hand Sanitizers Actually Kill COVID-19 Virus? Let us know more about these hand sanitizers!

There’s a study found that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in killing the novel coronavirus recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the hand sanitizers’ study, the researchers checked and evaluated the amount of effectiveness from different concentrations of two formulas recommended by WHO and the two modified hand sanitizer formulations to fight against COVID-19 virus.

The two formulas recommended by WHO includes: 

1. 80% ethanol, 1.45% glycerol, and 0.125% hydrogen peroxide
2. 75% 2-propanol, 1.45% glycerol, and 0.125% hydrogen peroxide.

However, these formulations have failed to meet the effectiveness requirements of European Norm 1500, which measures how much bacteria will remain on contaminated fingertips after rubbing hand sanitizer onto it. In response, researchers who were not actually involved in the study have modified the formulations by adding more ethanol or isopropanol and use less glycerol after finding that glycerol reduced the effectiveness.

The modified hand sanitizer versions consisted of:

1. 80% ethanol, 0.725% glycerol, and 0.125% hydrogen peroxide
2. 75% 2-propanol, 0.725% glycerol, and 0.125% hydrogen peroxide. 

They tested the activity of the virus after 30 seconds of exposure to the hand sanitizer. They found out that all sanitizer formulations and dilutions of 40% or more killed the coronavirus and reduced the virus to background levels within 30 seconds. The two WHO formulations had a virus reduction factor of greater than or equal to 3.8, while the modified versions had a reduction factor of greater than or equal to 5.9. Both ethanol and 2-propanol reduced the virus to background levels in 30 seconds, with reduction factors of 4.8 to greater than or equal to 5.9, and a concentration of ≥30% of either ingredient was effective in killing SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The findings above revealed that the novel coronavirus has an inactivation profile similar to those of related coronaviruses that cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

While 30 seconds is the recommended time to rub hand sanitizers into the skin, we know that most people don't use them for that long. The study findings support the use of WHO sanitizer formulations in healthcare settings during viral outbreaks that are actually happening at the moment.

We are reminding you to always stay at home and always stay safe. However, if you really need to go outside, always wear your face masks and bring with you some alcohol or hand sanitizer for better safety. Your safety and health will always be important and should always be prioritized during this season, not only for you but for your family as well. 

For best products to use during this pandemic or quarantine times, I suggest you visit our official page here. And check out our 100ml Hand Sanitizer Gel with Alcohol with great effectiveness and will surely protect you against the virus. We offer products that will cater your needs and will always consider and prioritize your health and safety. 

Enjoy! Stay safe!