The use of ethanol, is it harmful?
The use of so-called “technical” quality ethanol in hand sanitizers also raises questions and concerns. In fact, due to shortages of pharmaceutical-grade (so-called USP) or food-grade ethanol, Health Canada temporarily authorized the use of technical ethanol on April 15 for a period extending up to as of June 30, 2020. This type of ethanol has more impurities, the most worrying of which is acetaldehyde, which is a potentially carcinogenic compound, especially when inhaled.
What ingredients are allowed to make the cleansing gels conform?
You need first to verify that the gel contains enough alcohol. 60% to 80% ethanol and 60 to 75% of isopropanol. Read the product’s label to verify this information.
You may get lost in all these chemical jargon, but it is easy to have a list of components and verify them on the product’s label. For example, the allowed components are:
Hydrogen paroxide, to eliminate contaminating spored, Glycerin which serves as a moisturizer, distilled or boiled water. Other additives like perfume are not recommended but authorized.Hydrogen paroxide, to eliminate contaminating spored, Glycerin which serves as a moisturizer, distilled or boiled water. Other additives like perfume are not recommended but authorized.
The warnings you must find on the labels
Adult use only, contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, not use on damaged skin, do not inhale.
Make sure to favorize soap and water over cleansing gels.