What is the active ingredient in all FDA approved hand sanitizers?

The active ingredient in all FDA-approved hand sanitizers is alcohol, specifically ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol is effective in killing a wide range of germs and viruses, making it a preferred choice for disinfectant formulations. The concentration of alcohol must be at least 60% to effectively reduce the number of microbes on the skin.

This effectiveness is due to alcohol’s ability to denature proteins, disrupt cell membranes, and ultimately kill microorganisms. This characteristic is why hand sanitizers with alcohol are recommended, especially in situations where soap and water are not readily available. Other substances listed, such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and iodine, serve different purposes in sanitation and disinfection but are not the standard active ingredients in hand sanitizers as recognized by the FDA.