How does hand sanitizer kill bacteria?

Answer 1

Denatures &/or dissolves cellular & membrane components, including proteins & lipid membranes, thereby destroying the bacterium and/or virus, however not all bacteria or viruses are susceptable to the variety of different hand sanitizers, whether it be isopropanol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), iodine based products, etc...examples are spore forming bacteria & rabies virus, both are unaffected by hand sanitizers.

Answer 2

Alcohol.

It is best to use those brands that contain a minimum of 60% alcohol and you must follow the label directions exactly for it to work. Rubbing hands briskly together until your hands are dry is an important part of killing and removing germs from your hands with the sanitizers.

Answer 3

The main (sometimes only) active ingredient is usually ethyl alcohol but some may use isopropyl alcohol. In addition there are some available that contain n-propanol, or povidone-iodine.

It is best to use those brands of alcohol-based cleaners that contain a minimum of 60% alcohol and you must follow the label directions exactly for it to work. Rubbing hands briskly together until your hands are dry is an important part of killing and removing germs from your hands with the sanitizers.

The active ingredient in the well-known Purell brand is ethyl alcohol in a 62% solution.

The inactive ingredients in Purell brand waterless Instant Hand Sanitizer with Aloe and Moisturizers and Vitamin E are:

• Water,
• Aloe,
• Glycerin,
• Isopropyl myristate,
• Propylene glycol,
• Tocopheryl acetate,
• Aminomethyl Propanol,
• Carbomer,
• Fragrance, and
• Blue and yellow dye.

Some of the common active ingredients in non-alcohol based waterless hand sanitizers can be:

• Benzalkonium chloride,
• Triclosan, or
• Providone-iodine.

Interestingly, a solution of more than 80% alcohol is actually not as effective on bacteria as one that is 60 - 80% because some water is needed to be most effective in killing the bacteria.

Answer 4

The main ingredient in Germ-X hand sanitizer is ethyl alcohol. The alcohol is what kills the germs in the hand sanitizer.

Answer 5

No. Most are alcohol-based, which is what kills the germs. Some contain other active ingredients. See the related questions below for more information on the ingredients in hand sanitizers.