Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
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Hand sanitizer ingredients, in short: the active ingredient is alcohol, either ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropyl alcohol. CDC advises an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, which you can confirm on the product label. Everything else in a typical formulation, such as glycerol or hydrogen peroxide, plays a supporting role. This page is general product information, not medical advice.
Short answer
Alcohol does the hand antisepsis. In the WHO reference formulations, glycerol is added as a humectant, and hydrogen peroxide is there to inactivate contaminating bacterial spores in the solution; WHO states it is not an active substance for hand antisepsis. Reading the label for the alcohol type and percentage is the practical check for lab and clinic staff.
Definition and scope
This page covers alcohol-based hand sanitizer, the product CDC and FDA describe in their public guidance for when soap and water are not readily available. CDC says soap and water remains the default for most situations, with sanitizer for when it is not readily available. For how to apply a sanitizer, see how to use hand sanitizer; this guide deals only with what is in the bottle and why.
What each ingredient does
The table uses the two formulations published by the World Health Organization in its guide to local production of handrubs (WHO/IER/PSP/2010.5). They are reference formulations for local production, not a rule for commercial products, and concentrations on a commercial label can differ.
| Ingredient | Role stated by the source | WHO reference concentration (final) |
|---|---|---|
| Ethanol | Alcohol active (Formulation 1) | 80% (v/v) |
| Isopropyl alcohol | Alcohol active (Formulation 2) | 75% (v/v) |
| Glycerol | Humectant, added to increase the acceptability of the product | 1.45% (v/v) in both |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Inactivates contaminating bacterial spores in the solution; not an active substance for hand antisepsis | 0.125% (v/v) in both |
The alcohol
FDA’s consumer guidance names ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol as the active ingredient, and lists “not enough active ingredient” as a reason it has flagged products. CDC’s threshold is at least 60% alcohol.
Glycerol and other humectants
WHO says glycerol is added as a humectant. It says other humectants or emollients may be used if they are affordable, locally available, miscible in water and alcohol, non-toxic and hypoallergenic, and that a lower glycerol percentage may be considered to reduce stickiness. A humectant is about acceptability of the product on skin, not about germ removal.
Hydrogen peroxide
The peroxide in the WHO formulations protects the solution itself from contaminating spores. It is not the part that cleans hands.
Additives and quality
WHO says any further additive should be clearly labelled and be non-toxic in case of accidental ingestion, and that only pharmacopoeial quality reagents should be used, not technical grade products.
Types and related concepts
The two alcohol types above are the ones the sources name. For how hand sanitizer sits among other antimicrobial products, see types of disinfectants, and for a related alcohol product used on skin, see what an alcohol swab is.
Where it matters for labs, clinics and supply decisions
A label check built from FDA and CDC statements
| Check | Why, according to the source |
|---|---|
| Alcohol is ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol | FDA flags products that are contaminated with potentially toxic types of alcohol |
| Label states at least 60% alcohol | CDC’s threshold; FDA flags products that do not contain enough active ingredient |
| No food-like flavour or fragrance such as chocolate or raspberry | FDA says these can cause serious injury or death if eaten or drunk |
| Product is not on FDA’s current list of sanitizers to avoid | FDA maintains the list at www.fda.gov/handsanitizerlist |
Storage and flammability
WHO gives flash points of 17.5 °C for ethanol 80% (v/v) and 19 °C for isopropyl alcohol 75% (v/v), and prohibits open flames and smoking in production and storage areas. For used or surplus alcohol, see isopropyl alcohol disposal.
Common misunderstandings
- “The peroxide kills germs on hands.” WHO states it is not an active substance for hand antisepsis.
- “Glycerol makes it antimicrobial.” WHO describes it as a humectant added for acceptability.
- “Any scented gel will do.” FDA warns about food flavours and fragrances, and says drinking even a small amount of hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning in children.
- “A sanitizer replaces handwashing.” CDC says soap and water is the default in most situations; sanitizer is for when it is not readily available.
FAQ
What are the ingredients in hand sanitizer?
The active ingredient is ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. In the WHO reference formulations it is combined with glycerol (humectant) and hydrogen peroxide (spore inactivator in the solution).
Why does hand sanitizer need 60 percent alcohol?
CDC advises alcohol-based sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol, and says you can confirm this on the label. FDA flags products with too little active ingredient.
What does FDA say about hand sanitizer safety?
FDA has flagged products with too little ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, products contaminated with potentially toxic types of alcohol, and products with food flavours or fragrances. It maintains a list of products to avoid.
What is hand sanitizer?
An alcohol-based product used on hands when soap and water are not readily available, per CDC.
Does hand sanitizer expire?
See hand sanitizer expiration.
Sources
- World Health Organization, Guide to Local Production: WHO-recommended Handrub Formulations (WHO/IER/PSP/2010.5), https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-IER-PSP-2010.5, checked 2026-10-30.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Safely Using Hand Sanitizer, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safely-using-hand-sanitizer, checked 2026-10-30.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About Handwashing, https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html, checked 2026-10-30.
