Popularity of Hand Sanitizer!

Hand sanitizer is the quickest method of de-germing your hands. It has become socially popular to use hand sanitizer often to prevent the spread of germs. There are many brands, scents, and trendy formulas on the market. The main element to consider when purchasing is to make sure it has at least 60% ethyl alcohol. This formula has been proven to be most effective in as fast as 15 seconds. Most commercial hand sanitizers have standardized to have approximately 62% ethyl alcohol.

The market has increased in the last 5 years in variety and production of hand sanitizer products. There are formulas packaged in cute containers and appear to be accessory-like. Many formulas have lotion infused to provide moisturizing benefits. Hand sanitizer has become trendy and collectible for young adolescent girls as if it were lip gloss. The Bath and Body Works store in the American malls have capitalized on this trend by offering pleasant scents and a variety of colors to choose from.

According to the CDC, alcohol concentration between 60-95% in hand sanitizer is most effective in inactivating and reducing the amount of germs. It is important to understand that hand sanitizer does not eliminate all types of germs. Soap and water is far more effective on harmful germs that cause gastrointestinal illness such as Clostridium difficile, Cryptosporidium and Norovirus.

http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html#alcohol