Facts About Organic Hand Sanitizers
Beware of “Greenwashing” labels on Antibacterial Gels
Jan 22, 2009
During flu season, everyone wants to beat germs, but some hand sanitizers can cause more health problems than prevent them. Some so-called organic, waterless hand gels contain antiseptics that are not only unnecessary, but are downright toxic.
It’s a popular misconception that by using the word “organic” to describe one ingredient in a product, the whole product will seem organic, healthy or pure. Don’t stop reading the label once you come across the word “all natural” or “pure.” Here’s why:
How Can I Tell If My Hand Sanitizer Is “Greenwashed?”
Generally, greenwashed labels use the word organic on the label without a government certified organic stamp, and is in no way eligible for organic certification if they use petroleum products, synthetic parabens, and ethyl alcohol.
Once a hand sanitizer includes an alcohol or a petroleum by-product, that hand wash presents a possibility for toxic exposure, despite including organic ingredients. EO Hand Sanitizer, for example, contains organic lavender as well as Dimethicone, which is a silicone-based polymer. (Anything that includes silicone is never allowed the Certified Organic Label.) Despite its synthetic contents, that hand gel label may be read as being “green” by unwary consumers, just because it contains organic lavender.
Do We Really Need Waterless Hand Sanitizers?
While frequent hand washing to avoid cold and flu viruses is recommended, frequent use of waterless, antiseptic gels, is not. Regular, non-antibacterial soap and water works just as well; it’s the friction that breaks down the germ microbes. However, if you are traveling, it’s best to use hand sanitizers with caution.
Health Canada published a Communicable Disease Report, which states that hand sanitizers should only be used in places where hand washing facilities are inadequate or completely unavailable. They are “Not effective if hands are soiled with dirt or heavily contaminated with blood or other organic material.”
Ingredients To Avoid In Antibacterial Hand Sanitizers
Despite label information readily available to the public, many are unaware that the main ingredient in waterless hand sanitizers is ethyl alcohol, which is a highly flammable compound that can be toxic to children if ingested. Since it is an alcohol, large doses of it can damage a child’s central nervous system.
Besides including Dimethicone, some hand sanitizers use Carbomer, which is a petroleum product, and Aminomethyl Propanol, which is an alcohol based ingredient that is dangerous when ingested.
Alcohol or silicone products are often used for their thickening, filler or moisturizing properties: Carbomer is used as a thickening agent. Other ingredients to look for in pseudo-organic labels are Aminomethyl Propanol which adjusts the acidity of the mixture and Triclosan and Benzalknonium Chloride, which are antiseptics that are toxic when mixed with water, or ingested.
Which Commercial Hand Sanitizers Are Really Organic?
- CleanWell (a pump spray that is Triclosan and Benzalknonium Chloride free.)
- Surya Brasil’s Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer
- Clean George (has ECOCERT*, Certified Organic, FSC* Certified ingredients.)
- Body Shop - Tea Tree Oil Hand Cleanse Gel
Can I Make A DIY Hand Sanitizer That Works?
You can make your own with pure aloe vera, and it can be as effective as a store bought brand.
It’s important to make sure that you use an all-natural aloe vera, that does not contain colouring: Real, organic aloe vera is clear. Health foods stores sell them, or you can just slice a leaf of the aloe vera plant and squeeze out the gel.
Lisa Smegal of eHow has a simple and inexpensive method for making your own sanitizing hand gel. If you prefer, you can use lavender instead of the peppermint oil. Both are have antiseptic properties, and leave one’s hands feeling fragrant and clean.
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