Hand sanitizer products are more popular than ever before, thanks to the abundance of portable hand sanitizer products from industry leaders like Vi-Jon, the makers of Germ-X® hand sanitizers. But their effectiveness also depends on how they are used. This article will go through a number of FAQs on hand sanitizer and Germ-X® formulas to help ensure you have the answers you need about these products.
Answers to FAQs About Hand Sanitizer and Germ-X® Hand Sanitizer Formulas
1. Why do we need hand sanitizers?
Hand sanitizer is a good alternative when soap and water aren’t available to wash your hands. Proper handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to remove germs from our hands.
2. When is the best time to use hand sanitizer?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing your hands with soap and water is always best before and after preparing or eating food, and caring for a sick person. It’s also always best when your hands are visibly greasy or dirty and after using the bathroom; touching, caring for, or cleaning up after an animal; and handling waste or garbage (including toilet training and diaper changes).
Hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is best if soap and water are not available. It’s also the best option when coming into contact with other people or frequently touched surfaces if soap and water aren’t immediately available (such as when at the gas pump). In these moments, products such as Germ-X® single-use hand sanitizer wipes or hand sanitizer spray, all of which contain at least 62% alcohol, are the best option before potentially touching your face, or your child’s hand. Germ-X® Advanced products, formulated for healthcare professionals, have 70% alcohol.
3. Are Germ-X® Hand Sanitizers FDA or EPA approved?
The hand sanitizer category does not require Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and is not regulated by the EPA. We make hand sanitizer with Ethyl Alcohol according to the FDA monograph consistent with their regulatory guidance.
4. How long can I use my Germ-X® product? Can I use it past its expiration date?
We recommend that Germ-X® hand sanitizers are not used after the expiration date and should be disposed of at that point. Germ-X® products are safe and effective when used as stated on the label and before expiration.
5. Is your product gluten-free?
No gluten is intentionally added or is part of our product ingredients. We do not expect wheat gluten to be in this product. However, we do not test for the absence or presence of it either.
6. Does the hand sanitizer kill the coronavirus?
We do not have any data on whether the product is effective against the coronavirus. You may refer to CDC.gov for recommendations.
7. Can the alcohol-based hand sanitizer be left in the heat, i.e., in the car?
No. We do not recommend storage of the product above 105° F.
8. How much alcohol is in the product?
It varies by type of product. Much of our original formulas contain 62% Ethyl Alcohol, and our Advanced formulas contain 70% Ethyl Alcohol, which are formulated for healthcare workers. The alcohol level in the product is declared on the back label under “Active Ingredients.”
Since 1997, Germ-X® products have helped improve hand hygiene for ourselves and our families. Vi-Jon has never stopped improving the Germ-X® hand sanitizer offerings and better serve families. Learn more about its current product offerings here.
