Does Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer Kill Coronavirus?
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, itrsquo;s crucial to be informed about the effectiveness of different products in protecting us from pathogens like the coronavirus. One of the common questions asked is whether Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer is effective against the virus. This article delves into the matter by examining the WHO-recommended formulations and analyzes whether Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer meets these standards.
Understanding the WHO Recommendations
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided two recommended formulations for hand sanitizers, which are crucial for public health and safety. These formulations ensure that hand sanitizers are effective in killing a wide range of viruses, including the coronavirus. Below are the key components of the WHO-recommended formulations:
Formulation 1:Comprises ethanol at a concentration of 80% v/v, glycerol at 1.45% v/v, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 0.125% v/v.
Formulation 2:Comprises isopropyl alcohol at a concentration of 75% v/v, glycerol at 1.45% v/v, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 0.125% v/v.
The formulations emphasize the use of pharmacopoeial quality reagents, such as those from the International Pharmacopoeia, to ensure the highest level of purity and effectiveness.
Analysis of Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer
I have examined several Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer products. Itrsquo;s important to note that the company does not explicitly mention which alcohol is used in their formulations. The products typically range in alcohol content between 68% and 72%, which, while close to the WHO-recommended levels, are still not a perfect match. This is a significant point to consider when evaluating their effectiveness against the coronavirus.
Based on these findings, my advice is to keep seeking out products that meet or exceed the WHO recommendations closely. Ensuring that your hand sanitizer contains the correct levels of alcohol and other ingredients is essential to killing the coronavirus effectively.
Alternatives to Hand Sanitizers
Considering the scrutiny around hand sanitizer formulations, other options such as soap and water remain highly effective in reducing the spread of coronavirus. Here are a few reasons why soap and water should still be your first choice:
Cost: A bar of soap is significantly cheaper than purchasing a bottle of hand sanitizer multiple times. Waste Reduction: Soap and water use less plastic and other materials compared to the packaging of hand sanitizer. Effectiveness: While hand sanitizers are useful when soap and water are not available, a thorough 20-second hand washing with soap and water is generally more effective at removing viruses and bacteria.Moreover, during a shower, soap and laundry detergent work together to sterilize your entire body and clothes, further enhancing your protection against the coronavirus.
Verifying Hand Sanitizer Ingredients
Lastly, itrsquo;s essential to verify the ingredients in the hand sanitizer you are using. Only products containing more than 60% alcohol are considered effective against viruses like the coronavirus.
If yoursquo;re unsure about the composition of the sanitizer you possess, a simple method to determine its efficacy is by performing an online search. Look up the required levels of alcohol and other ingredients needed for a safe sanitizer to see if your product measures up to the standards outlined by the WHO and other reputable health organizations.