Scented Hand Sanitizer: Safe Fragrancing For Hygiene

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in demand for hand sanitizers, leading to a shortage of isopropyl alcohol, a key ingredient in commercial sanitizers. As a result, manufacturers turned to ethanol as a substitute, but this often left an unpleasant odor. While some companies have developed additives to mask the smell, others have suggested using perfume or essential oils to improve the scent. However, the FDA warns against adding fragrances to hand sanitizers as it may reduce their antimicrobial effectiveness. Nevertheless, some people opt to add scented essential oils or fragrance oils to their hand sanitizers, with the risk of decreasing their germ-killing power.

Using perfume to make hand sanitiser

Due to shortages of hand sanitiser and rubbing alcohol, people have been getting creative and using perfume to make their own hand sanitiser. This method should only be used as a last resort.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Eau de Toilette (EDT)
• 1/3 cup Aloe vera Gel (or Bio-oil, or Baby Oil)

Method

Add the ingredients to a bowl and mix them together. The amount of ingredients used in this recipe will make about 200ml of hand sanitiser. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to make the quantity you need.

The mixture can be decanted into an empty atomiser to take on the go. The recommended portion is 1 part gel to 3 parts perfume.

Precautions

This method is intended as a fun, experimental solution to a shortage of hand sanitiser. It is not a substitute for commercially produced hand sanitiser.

It is important to ensure that any fragrance oil used is skin-safe.

How to make hand sanitiser smell good

There are several ways to make hand sanitiser smell good. Firstly, it's important to note that the FDA does not recommend adding scents to hand sanitisers, as the potential effects on antimicrobial activity have not been assessed. However, if you are set on making your hand sanitiser smell better, there are a few methods you can try.

Using Essential Oils

One way to improve the scent of your hand sanitiser is to add essential oils. Suggested oils include lavender, lemon, bergamot, cinnamon, eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme. These oils not only improve the fragrance but also have antibacterial and antiviral qualities. However, it is important to ensure that the oils are skin-safe and suitable for this purpose.

Using Fragrance Oils

Another option is to use fragrance oils. For a 16-ounce hand sanitiser, you will need about 160 drops of fragrance oil (about 0.5 ounces) to achieve a noticeable scent. Pineapple is one fragrance oil option.

Using Perfume

If you don't have essential or fragrance oils, you can use perfume to add a pleasant scent to your hand sanitiser. Combine one cup of Eau de Toilette with one-third cup of aloe vera gel (or bio-oil, or baby oil) in a bowl and mix. This will yield about 200ml of scented hand sanitiser.

Tips for Adding Fragrance

When adding fragrance to your hand sanitiser, you can either pour the desired amount of sanitiser into a smaller bottle or container, add the fragrance, and then pour the mixture back into the original bottle using a funnel. Alternatively, you can add the fragrance directly to the full bottle of sanitiser and shake vigorously to combine. Always ensure that the lid is tightly screwed on before shaking.

It is also recommended to conduct a test by applying a small amount of the scented sanitiser to your hand and gently massaging it into your skin. If the scent is not strong enough, you can add a few more drops of fragrance and test again.

The problem with ethanol-based sanitisers

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, hand sanitiser has become an essential tool in the fight against the spread of the virus. However, with shortages of the key ingredient isopropyl alcohol, manufacturers have had to turn to ethanol as a substitute. While ethanol is effective at killing most germs, there is one notable problem with using it in sanitisers: the unpleasant odour it can produce.

Ethanol is derived from natural sources, such as sugar or corn, and the end product can sometimes have a very off-putting smell, ranging from rotting garbage to tequila or fermented corn. Understandably, consumers are reluctant to rub a product that smells like this on their hands. This is especially true for those with children, who may be put off from using hand sanitiser if it has an unpleasant odour.

The issue of ethanol's smell has led to manufacturers seeking ways to mask it, such as by adding fragrances to their products. However, this is not a simple process, as each type of alcohol has distinct chemical properties, and substituting one for another can have dangerous results. It is a task that should only be undertaken by professionals.

Another issue with ethanol-based sanitisers is their effectiveness against viruses. While ethanol can attack the envelope protein that surrounds some viruses, including coronaviruses, it is less effective than isopropyl alcohol, which has better bactericidal properties. To ensure optimal efficacy against viruses like SARS-CoV-2, hand sanitiser should contain at least 80% ethanol or 75% isopropyl alcohol.

In conclusion, while ethanol-based sanitisers are a practical alternative when soap and water are not available, the unpleasant odour they can produce may be off-putting to consumers. Manufacturers can address this issue by adding fragrances, but this must be done with caution and under expert guidance. Additionally, ethanol may be less effective against certain viruses compared to other types of alcohol.

How to mask the smell of ethanol

Ethanol is an effective ingredient in hand sanitizers, but its natural sources, such as sugar or corn, can leave an unpleasant odour. Here are some ways to mask the smell of ethanol in hand sanitizers:

Use a Fragrance Oil

Add 15-20 drops of fragrance oil per 2 oz of hand sanitizer. For example, if you're using a 16 oz hand sanitizer, you'll need about 160 drops of fragrance oil. Pour the desired amount of fragrance oil into the hand sanitizer, replace the cap, and shake vigorously. Test the scented hand sanitizer by applying a small amount to your hand and rubbing it into your skin. If the smell is not strong enough, add a few more drops of fragrance oil. Ensure that the fragrance oil is safe for skin contact.

Mix with Eau de Toilette

Mix one cup of Eau de Toilette with one-third cup of Aloe vera gel or Bio-oil. This combination will yield about 200ml of hand sanitizer. The perfume in the Eau de Toilette will add a pleasant scent to the mixture.

Use a Commercial Odor Control Additive

Some companies offer odor control additives designed to reduce the unpleasant odour of ethanol in hand sanitizers. These additives can be mixed with ethanol-based hand sanitizers to give them a pleasant, clean scent.

Essential Oils

When making your own hand sanitizer, you can add a few drops of essential oils, such as clove, eucalyptus, or peppermint oil, to mask the ethanol smell.

The FDA's stance on adding scents to hand sanitiser

The FDA has a strict stance on the use of hand sanitizers, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the FDA does not explicitly prohibit adding scents to hand sanitizers, it does provide guidelines and recommendations that manufacturers and consumers must follow to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here is an overview of the FDA's stance on adding scents to hand sanitizers:

Regulation of Hand Sanitizers

The FDA classifies hand sanitizers as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and regulates them as such. This means that hand sanitizers must meet specific requirements and standards set by the FDA to be legally marketed and sold in the United States.

Labeling Requirements

The FDA requires hand sanitizers to have a "Drug Facts" panel on their labeling, which includes information about the ingredients, warnings, and precautions. Consumers should always read and follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and proper use.

Active Ingredients

The FDA permits only two types of alcohol as active ingredients in hand sanitizers: ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol or 2-propanol). Other types of alcohol, such as methanol and 1-propanol, are not considered acceptable ingredients due to their toxic nature.

Warnings About Methanol

The FDA has issued warnings about hand sanitizers containing methanol (wood alcohol), as it is dangerous and toxic. Methanol can cause serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, and even death. The FDA maintains a list of hand sanitizers with potential methanol contamination and recommends that consumers immediately stop using and dispose of any products on this list.

Recommendations for Consumers

The FDA advises consumers to wash their hands frequently with plain soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose. If soap and water are not available, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol.

The FDA does not recommend that consumers make their own hand sanitizer, as incorrect preparation can lead to ineffective products or even skin burns. Additionally, the FDA warns against refilling or "topping off" empty or partially empty containers of hand sanitizer due to potential safety risks, such as accidental contamination and reduced potency.

Recommendations for Manufacturers

The FDA has specific guidelines for hand sanitizer manufacturers, including requirements for active ingredients, labeling, and quality standards. Manufacturers must ensure that their products meet these guidelines to comply with FDA regulations.

In summary, while the FDA does not explicitly prohibit adding scents to hand sanitizers, it is crucial to follow the agency's regulations and recommendations for safety and effectiveness. Consumers should always read the labels and use hand sanitizers as directed, and manufacturers must ensure their products meet FDA standards to legally market and sell them in the United States.

Frequently asked questions