​Hand sanitizer is a liquid, gel, or foam generally used to kill common pathogens (like bacteria and viruses) on the hands when soap and water are not available.

Alcohol-Based

• Active ingredient: Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropyl alcohol (60–95%)
  
• Function: Kills germs by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids in the cell membrane
  
• Other ingredients:
  
  • Water (solvent)
    
  • Glycerin (moisturizer)
    
  • Hydrogen peroxide (removes spores from container surfaces)
    
  • Fragrances (optional)
    
  • Thickening agents (e.g., carbomer for gel)
    

2. Non-Alcohol-Based

• Active ingredient: Benzalkonium chloride or triclosan
  
• Note: Less effective against some viruses; not generally recommended by health authorities
  

🛍️ Common Packaging Forms

1. Primary Packaging:
   
   • Bottles (plastic or glass)
     
   • Pumps, flip-caps, sprays
     
   • Sachets or small tubes
     
2. Secondary Packaging (Box):
   
   • Material: Cardboard or corrugated fiberboard
     
   • Designs: Tuck-in boxes, display boxes, dispenser boxes
     
   • Labeling Includes:
     
     • Product name
       
     • Volume/content (e.g., 500 ml, 50 ml)
       
     • Active ingredients
       
     • Usage directions
       
     • Safety warnings
       
     • Batch number and expiration date
       
     • Storage instructions
       
     • Manufacturer information (optional or redacted)
       

📏 Sizes

• Personal use: 30 ml to 100 ml bottles
• Household/commercial: 250 ml to 1 liter
• Industrial/medical: 5 liters or larger drums
• Box packaging: May contain 12, 24, or more units depending on size

🔐 Regulations & Standards

• WHO Guidelines: Recommends alcohol-based hand rub formulations
• FDA (USA) / EMA (Europe) / CDSCO (India): Set limits for active ingredients, labeling, and marketing
• Hazard Labeling: Flammable liquid label required for alcohol-based types

🧼 How to Use Hand Sanitizer Properly

1. Apply a sufficient amount (dime-sized or more)
2. Rub all parts of your hands: palms, back of hands, between fingers, under nails
3. Continue rubbing until hands are dry (about 20 seconds)
4. Don’t rinse or wipe off

​⚠️ Safety Precautions

• Keep away from heat and open flames (alcohol is flammable)
  
• Not safe for ingestion
  
• Keep out of reach of children unless supervised
  
• Store in a cool, dry place
  

♻️ Environmental Concerns

• Excessive plastic waste from bottles
  
• Some packaging is recyclable (HDPE, PET)
  
• Consider refill options or eco-friendly packaging