Fragranced Hand Sanitizers: Effective Or Just A Scent?

Hand sanitizers have become a necessity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the unscented variety is widely available, scented hand sanitizers have gained popularity. However, the strong fragrance added to hand sanitizers to mask the smell of ethanol can be a source of discomfort for some people, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, watery eyes, headaches, and stomachaches. This has sparked a debate about the effectiveness and necessity of heavily fragranced hand sanitizers.

Do scented hand sanitisers work as well as unscented ones?

Scented hand sanitisers are just as effective as unscented ones. Both types of sanitisers will leave your hands clean and refreshed, killing up to 99.99% of bacteria, germs and viruses.

The difference between the two is simply a matter of personal preference. However, it is worth noting that fragrance-free hand sanitiser is better for sensitive skin. If you have eczema or another skin condition, it is recommended to use an unscented product to avoid further irritation.

The addition of fragrance to hand sanitisers has been a key factor in the growth of the hand sanitiser market. Consumers are attracted to the inclusion of fragrances, and the allure of sweet-smelling places can help to transport the consumer away from the reality of the global challenges we face today.

In summary, scented hand sanitisers work just as well as unscented ones in terms of killing bacteria and viruses. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skin type.

What are the benefits of scented hand sanitisers?

Scented hand sanitisers have several benefits, ranging from their ability to encourage better hand hygiene to their potential to enhance user experience through pleasant fragrances.

Firstly, scented hand sanitisers can make maintaining hand hygiene a more enjoyable experience. The addition of fragrances such as lemon myrtle, cherry blossom, peppermint, lavender, vanilla, coconut, and floral scents can provide a pleasant aroma that users find appealing. This not only masks the strong alcohol smell commonly associated with hand sanitisers but also offers a sensory experience that can uplift the mood and create a sense of satisfaction.

Secondly, scented hand sanitisers can act as a discreet way to ensure hand cleanliness. In situations where handwashing facilities are unavailable, scented hand sanitisers provide a convenient and discreet solution. They allow individuals to sanitise their hands without drawing attention, as the fragrance can blend in with or enhance one's personal scent, making it a more sociable option compared to unscented sanitisers.

Additionally, scented hand sanitisers can be used as a form of expression and personalisation. With a variety of fragrances available, individuals can choose scents that align with their preferences and personality. This customisation aspect adds a layer of individuality, making hand sanitising a more engaging practice, especially for those who enjoy experimenting with different fragrances.

Furthermore, scented hand sanitisers can be used as a subtle fragrance for the hands, providing a lingering pleasant scent. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer a more delicate fragrance that is not overpowering, such as those who work in close proximity to others or in customer-facing roles.

Lastly, scented hand sanitisers can encourage children to practise better hand hygiene. The addition of fragrances can make sanitising hands a more fun and appealing routine for young children, who are often attracted to bright colours and pleasant smells. This can help instil good habits from an early age and contribute to a healthier environment at home, school, and in other social settings.

While the benefits of scented hand sanitisers are notable, it is important to ensure that the products used are safe and effective. Selecting sanitisers with an alcohol concentration of at least 60% is recommended, as this ensures their ability to effectively kill germs. Additionally, practising proper hand sanitising techniques, such as covering all surfaces of the hands and allowing the product to dry, is crucial for optimal effectiveness.

What are the drawbacks of scented hand sanitisers?

Scented hand sanitisers can be a blessing for some and a curse for others. While they can make sanitising your hands a more pleasant experience, they can also have drawbacks, and for some people, these drawbacks can be serious.

The first drawback is that not everyone likes the same scents. For example, while some people enjoy the smell of vanilla, others may find it sickly. Similarly, some people dislike the smell of alcohol in hand sanitiser, which is why companies add fragrance to their products in the first place. However, it is impossible to please everyone, and some people may dislike the added fragrance just as much, or even more.

The second drawback is that scented hand sanitisers can be problematic for people who are sensitive to scents. This group comprises nearly one-third of the public, according to studies and surveys. For these people, exposure to scented hand sanitisers can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, watery eyes, headaches, stomachaches, and temporary malaise. The effects can be long-lasting, with the scent lingering on the hands for hours even after scrubbing with soap. This can cause increased irritability, frustration, and anxiety, especially as people naturally touch their faces a lot, bringing their hands close to their noses and mouths.

The third drawback is that scented hand sanitisers may not always be clearly labelled as such. This means that scent-sensitive people may accidentally use them and suffer the consequences. While it is possible to carry around your own preferred unscented hand sanitiser, this is not always practical, and it can be frustrating to have to do this when scented hand sanitisers are so prevalent.

The fourth drawback is that scented hand sanitisers may be used to mask the smell of cheap, impure ethanol. During the coronavirus pandemic, companies rushed to meet consumer demand and used cheaper ethanol that wasn't purified of contaminants, resulting in a foul-smelling product. Adding fragrance was a quick fix to this problem, but it didn't address the root cause, which was the use of impure ethanol.

In conclusion, while scented hand sanitisers can make hand sanitising more enjoyable for some people, they can also cause discomfort and even health issues for others. Clear labelling and the availability of unscented options are important to ensure that everyone can find a hand sanitiser that works for them.

What are the different types of fragrances used in hand sanitisers?

Fragrances used in hand sanitisers range from fruity and floral to woody and musky. Here are some of the different types of fragrances used:

• Citrus scents: These include fragrances such as lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange. For example, La Clinica offers a hand sanitiser with a fresh lemon scent, while Nest New York offers a grapefruit-scented hand sanitising gel.
• Floral fragrances: Floral notes such as jasmine, freesia, and cherry blossom are often used in hand sanitisers. For instance, Dettol offers a cherry blossom-scented hand sanitiser, and Ormonde Jayne's hand sanitiser contains tea tree oil, which has a floral scent.
• Fruity blends: Fragrances like apple, pear, and strawberry are also used in hand sanitisers. For example, Flavorchem offers a blend of juicy apple, green notes, and pear.
• Woody and musky aromas: Some hand sanitisers feature scents like sandalwood, musk, and amber. For instance, Alpha Aromatics' "Sugared Lime and Citron" fragrance includes a base note of white musk, while their "Bamboo Cherry Blossom" fragrance has a base of dry bamboo and creamy, woody sandalwood.
• Spicy and herbal notes: Spicy and herbal fragrances such as clove, lavender, and peppermint are also used in hand sanitisers. For example, L.A.-based perfumer Sarah Horowitz's hand sanitiser spray contains essential oils of clove and lavender, while Dr. Bronner's offers a peppermint hand sanitiser.
• Other natural fragrances: In addition to the above, hand sanitisers may also feature more unique natural fragrances such as cucumber, eucalyptus, and vanilla. For instance, Flavorchem offers a "Fresh Water Cucumber" fragrance, while Twisted Fizzers sells a hand sanitiser that smells like Euky Bear Rub.

How do you make a fragranced hand sanitiser?

Making your own fragranced hand sanitiser is a fairly simple process. You can either buy an unscented hand sanitiser base and add your own fragrance, or make your own from scratch.

Using an unscented hand sanitiser base

You can buy an unscented hand sanitiser base and add your own fragrance. Vetiver Aromatics sells an unscented liquid hand sanitiser base made from ethyl alcohol (70%), water, isopropyl myristate, USP glycerin, tert-butyl alcohol, and denatonium benzoate.

Once you have your base, you can add your own choice of fragrance. Essential oils are a good option, and you only need to add a few drops. Some essential oils, such as lavender, lemon, bergamot, cinnamon, eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme, also have antibacterial or antiviral qualities.

Making hand sanitiser from scratch

If you want to make hand sanitiser from scratch, you will need the following ingredients:

• 99% isopropyl alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol)
• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 98% glycerin
• Sterile distilled or chilled boiled water

Combine the following quantities of these ingredients: 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol, 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon of glycerin, and 1/4 cup, 1 tablespoon, and 1 teaspoon of water. You can then add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.

Alternatively, you can make a gel hand sanitiser by combining 2/3 cup of isopropyl alcohol and 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel. You can then add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.

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