How Does Hand Sanitizer Actually Work?

A hand sanitizer is what we used to fight bacteria and gain protection against infection from certain illnesses. The YouTube video explains how hand sanitizers are alcohol-based and contain at least 70% alcohol as an active ingredient.

There are three types of alcohol.


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Ethanol, which is found in booze; isopropanol, which is in rubbing alcohol; and propanol, rubbing alcohol’s chemical sibling. The alcohol contained in the hand sanitizer you use works to dissolve a virus or bacteria’s outer coating. It is a polar chemical that is capable of interrupting the protein and lipid molecules.

Some people never use alcohol-based hand sanitizers because they fear they will breed super germs that cannot be destroyed. Using hand sanitizer by itself will dry your hands out. For this reason, other chemicals are added to moisturize the skin. Often there is glycerine or Aloe Vera added to hand sanitizers to keep the hands moisturized.

Although hand sanitizer does work to kill germs and bacteria it is still important to wash with soap and water. Particularly if your hands were filthy prior to using the hand sanitizer. In addition, washing your hands with soap and water will remove the sticky film that remains on your skin.

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