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Every day, we encounter thousands of germs, which can result in serious illness or infection. Cleaning your hands regularly is a key to prevent illness and stay healthy & safe. Eco-friendly hand sanitizers can help you practice hand hygiene. The best part is that they can help you stay germ-free without damaging your hands and the environment.
Do Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizers Actually Work?
Health Canada says that washing your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help keep germs away. However, you can also use hand sanitizers to reduce the risks of infection when the first option isn’t available.
Eco-friendly hand sanitizers are effective in protecting your hands from bacteria. But, keep in mind, they can’t replace proper hand washing.
Eco-friendly hand sanitizers don’t contain harmful chemicals. Thus, for those who are already suffering from medical conditions such as eczema, eco-friendly products are a great option as they reduce the risks of inflammation and irritation.
What Makes Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizers Green?
A product is considered green if its ingredients are derived from natural sources. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be called green because of their two primary ingredients, ethanol/ethyl and water.
Many commercial hand sanitizers contain artificial fragrances, which can lead to allergies and respiratory issues. Since these fragrances are protected as trade secrets, manufacturers usually don’t disclose them. Eco-friendly hand sanitizers don’t contain artificial fragrances or dyes, thus making them safe for you and the environment.
Do Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizers Expire?
Alcohol is a primary component in hand sanitizers, and it evaporates rapidly when exposed to air.
Hand sanitizers that don’t come in airtight containers evaporate quickly, thus making it less effective.
According to the WHO, you should purchase hand sanitizers with a shelf life of 2 years. The storage temperature is a key factor influencing the actual shelf life of a hand sanitizer.
Usually, manufacturers mention the estimated time for when the percentage of alcohol will drop below 90 percent. You can consider this date as an expiry date.
Buying Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizers – Things You Should Consider
There’s a wide range of hand sanitizer brands available, but not all are created equal. To ensure that you get the best products, consider the following points-
- Percentage of Alcohol
Alcohol is a major ingredient in hand sanitizers. Sanitizers that contain less than 30 percent alcohol are ineffective in eliminating viruses. Experts say that Eco-friendly hand sanitizers that contain at least 70 percent of alcohol are highly effective in protecting you against disease-causing microbes.
- Other Ingredients
Don’t forget to check ingredients before purchasing a hand sanitizer. This is because some ingredients may dry out the skin with regular use. Prefer products that don’t contain any artificial fragrances. Go for the ones containing aloe-vera and glycerin instead.
- Product Packaging
Considering product packaging is important because some new entrants are using packaging similar to that of food products. This is a concern because children can ingest/drink them by mistake. Additionally, you should buy products that come in 100 percent recyclable packaging.
- Where The Product is Made
Is the product made in Canada? Check if the product has a Canada made logo and is made from Canada-sourced ingredients. Additionally, prefer purchasing products that are approved by Health Canada.
To wrap it up, using hand sanitizers regularly is a great way to ensure hand hygiene and protection against spread of infections. To purchase the best Eco-friendly hand sanitizer, consider various factors such as the ingredient list, alcohol percentage, and product packaging.
Looking for the best Eco-friendly hand sanitizers? Visit ERE Inc. Since 1994, the company has been providing high-quality commercial hand sanitizers, liquid hand sanitizer sprays, and various other products for monitoring and filtration of air, water and soil.
