How to Tell If Your Hand Sanitizer or Cleaning Products Are Unsafe

From wiping down surfaces to disinfecting your hands, cleaning products and hand sanitizers have become essential parts of everyday life. But not all disinfectants are created equal. In fact, some may not work at all or worse, could put your health at risk.

With supply shortages and the rise of lesser-known brands, it's more important than ever to know exactly what you're bringing into your home. According to the FDA and CDC, mislabeled products, improper formulations, and unapproved ingredients can turn what seems like a safe choice into a potentially dangerous one.

Here are five warning signs that your hand sanitizer or cleaning product may be ineffective or even unsafe.

1. It Contains Less Than 60 Percent Alcohol

For a hand sanitizer or disinfectant to be effective against viruses, including COVID-19, it must contain at least 60% alcohol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alcohol kills germs by breaking down their protective membranes, and concentrations below this threshold simply don’t do the job.

If the label doesn’t clearly state the alcohol content or if it lists a number below 60% skip it. Watered-down formulas won’t keep you protected.

2. The Ingredients Include Methanol

Not all alcohols are safe for human use. Methanol sometimes labeled as wood alcohol is a toxic substance that should never be used in products intended for skin contact. Exposure to methanol can cause nausea, headaches, blurred vision, seizures, and even death, per the CDC.

Stick to products that contain safe alcohols like ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or isopropyl alcohol. And if the product doesn’t list its ingredients at all? That’s a sign to steer clear.

3. It Comes From an Unknown or Unfamiliar Brand

During supply shortages, many smaller or off-brand products appeared on store shelves. While some are safe and effective, others haven’t undergone the same level of testing as established products.

“If the brand is unfamiliar, the packaging looks unusual, or the bottle doesn’t seem child-safe, it may not meet CDC or EPA standards,” warns Celina Nadelman, MD, a board-certified cytopathologist. When in doubt, cross-reference the product with the EPA’s List N, which identifies disinfectants proven to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

4. It Smells Like Liquor

While some distilleries began producing hand sanitizer during the early days of the pandemic (with FDA guidance), properly formulated sanitizers should not smell like a mixed drink. If your sanitizer smells like tequila or vodka, it likely hasn’t been refined properly and may not be safe or effective.

A properly formulated ethanol-based sanitizer should have a neutral or slightly medicinal smell, not one reminiscent of a night out.

5. It’s Missing a Drug Facts Label or EPA Registration Number

Legitimate hand sanitizers and disinfecting products should come with clear labeling, including:

• A Drug Facts box (for hand sanitizers)

• Active ingredient list

• Intended use

• Volume and concentration

• For disinfectants: an EPA registration number

“The EPA number is key for any surface cleaner claiming to kill germs,” says Bob Reynolds, senior director of technical services at Zep. “If the label doesn’t show it, the product probably hasn’t been tested or approved.”

You can also consult the FDA’s list of recalled hand sanitizers to see if your product is flagged for safety concerns.

What to Use Instead

• Choose well-known, EPA-approved brands when possible.

• Look for ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or isopropyl alcohol as active ingredients.

• Avoid products without full transparency in labeling.

• Consider making your own hand sanitizer only if you follow official WHO guidelines and use proper materials.

The Takeaway

During times of high demand and limited supply, it's tempting to grab whatever cleaning product is available. But when it comes to your health, it pays to be cautious. By knowing what to look for and what to avoid you can make sure your hand sanitizer and cleaning products are doing their job safely and effectively.

Like this article? Share it or subscribe to our newsletter for more smart, science-backed wellness tips.