The well-known brand hand sanitizers are in demand but are hard to come during this global pandemic, so many other new brands are making their way into the market. We may find it safe to use on a regular basis but the FDA says differently.

Methanol is a toxic ingredient. It can cause blindness and death if ingested. Toxic methanol can easily be absorbed through the skin, can dehydrate the skin, causing many problems, and can result in dermatitis, mostly for children.   

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has released a statement listing 9 hand sanitizer products to be banned in Mexico by Eskbiochem SA de CV. Due to the potential presence of methanol (also called as wood alcohol) which can be toxic when absorbed through the skin and when ingested.    

List of Hand Sanitizers with the Presence of Toxic Methanol:  

  •         All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
  •         Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
  •         CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
  •         Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
  •         The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
  •         CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
  •         CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
  •         CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
  •         Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)

Now the FDA agency has expanded the lists to 75 hand sanitizers with methanol. The agency confirmed that the sanitizers contained 81 percent of toxic methanol.  

Dr. Michael Dannenberg, the chair of dermatology at Huntington Hospital in California said, “Methanol toxicity can result from ingesting or from absorption through the lungs (i.e., inhaling the methanol fumes) or absorption through the skin. Absorption through the skin can be a problem for anyone, but young children are at the highest risk of this.”

Note: Keep these instructions in mind given by the FDA agency and kindly avoid the hand sanitizer brands listed above or with the use of toxic methanol.