COVID-19: Can Sanitizers work against the virus?

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Even though handwashing is the best way to reduce the chances of coronavirus infection, still one should keep the following points under consideration while using sanitizers. According to the CDC, these points can ensure the effectiveness of sanitizers:

  • Apply ample volumes of alcohol-based sanitizer, a drop of sanitizer isn’t enough.
  • Let it dry on its own. Do not wipe it off
  • Make sure your hands aren’t dirty or greasy. This way you can ensure the sanitizer covering your hands properly.
  • The most important factor is the appropriate percentage of alcohol. It is critical to have 60-95% of alcohol in your sanitizer, otherwise, your sanitizer won't work for you against the virus.

Two Formulations of Sanitizers Approved by WHO

A team carried out a research under the supervision of Professor Stephanie Pfänder, at the Department for Molecular and Medical Virology at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, in Germany. After various trials, the scientists confirmed the effectiveness of two formulations of sanitizers against the SARS-CoV-2 particles.

Formulation 1:

  • Ethanol — 80% by volume (vol/vol)
  • Glycerine (also known as glycerol) — 1.45% vol/vol
  • Hydrogen peroxide — 0.125% vol/vol

Formulation 2:

  • Isopropanol (also known as 2-propanol or isopropyl alcohol) — 75% vol/vol
  • Gycerine — 1.45% vol/vol
  • Hydrogen peroxide — 0.125% vol/vol 

Which Brands can be used?

A number of local and international brands of sanitizers can be used in Pakistan that comply with the WHO standards. The following list of top brands can provide safety against the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) particles:

  1. Lifebuoy
  2. Safeguard
  3. Dettol
  4. Cool & Cool
  5. Purell 

Why the % of alcohol is important?

The percentage of alcohol added into the sanitizers matters a lot since less than 60% of alcohol will not be able to destroy the viral outer membrane. Also, if the percentage is too high e.g. 100% it will evaporate even before destroying the virus. Therefore, 85-95% of ethyl alcohol is considered to be an ideal range.

Bottom Line

Regardless of everything, handwashing is the most crucial preventive measure against COVID-19. Where once hand sanitizers were only used in hospitals and laboratories, they aren't found anywhere in the market now. This is because of the increased demand and black marketing. Thus, one should be careful and take every preventive measure possible, and in the right way as well. 


Stay safe everyone. Keep washing and sanitizing your hands!

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