There are many products on the market that are solely made to kill germs and toxins and that are supposed to make you “clean and refreshed,” such as cleaning products, soaps, shampoos, etc. The irony is that a ton of those products that are supposed to help you are actually harming you. To be honest, it actually makes it worse than you are directly exposing your body to those chemicals that are contained within them.
Let’s take a look at hand sanitizers. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the most popular choices are the travel-size ones. Why? Easy… people on the go want to be able to kill germs easily and protect themselves from the harsh exposures of everyday life, so they carry those convenient little bottles with them everywhere. They’re especially popular with moms who use them on their children all throughout the day to help avoid sickness. But what about the fact that instead of avoiding sickness, you’re actually aiding in it?
Why are they harmful?
The main ingredient in hand sanitizers are ethyl alcohol. This grain is pure alcohol, just like the kind you drink, and when you apply it to your body, it actually improves the absorption of other chemicals through the skin by “defatting” the skin – a disruption of the oils in the skin and causes it to dry out. Isopropyl alcohol, a rubbing alcohol, is also present in hand sanitizes and is known to be toxic to the nervous system. Glycerin, which is commonly used in a lot of beauty products, can be very harsh and irritating on the skin.
A lot of hand sanitizers contain fragrances, but most of them are considered to be fake and contain phthalates, which have a negative on affect sex hormones and are especially dangerous for infants and their growth process, and can be very hard on the lungs. Many hand sanitizers also contain a synthetic form of vitamin E, which means that instead of using the natural vitamin, they take it and alter it, causing it to become toxic.
Non-Toxic Brands
The concept of hand sanitizers, when created correctly, is a great product to have on hand with you at all times. No matter how safe and organic you are in all your products, it would be naive to think we still won’t be exposed to toxins in our surroundings. It doesn’t mean you have to be scared by it, but being prepared and cautioned by it is always a plus. Here are some great brands that won’t harm you but instead protect you and won’t dry out your skin.
EO Peppermint Hand Sanitizer Spray
EO Peppermint Hand Sanitizer Spray – This is a great travel size hand sanitizer, which has been approved by the TSA so you can take it anywhere with you, which leaves behind a natural and soothing peppermint scent.
Bronner Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray
Dr. Bronner Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray – Dr. Bronner is one of my favorite organic brands. They offer a variety of products that I would highly recommend. I love the freshness that this lavender spray leaves behind.
Mother’s Therapy Hand Sanitizer
Mother’s Therapy Hand Sanitizer – This product is great for kids. Mother’s Therapy uses the purest organic and natural ingredients, including an aloe vera-based lotion, which leaves skin feeling silky soft, and smooth.
Intelligent Nutrients Certified Organic Hand Sanitizer
Intelligent Nutrients Certified Organic Hand Sanitizer – Intelligent Nutrients organic hand sanitizer hydrates the skin and leaves it feeling refreshed without the sticky feeling that can happen with your everyday sanitizers.
Culinary Nutritionist, Contributor
I’m a food lover and wellness pusher. Love to cook super healthy and tasty food, I love to learn and find ways to nourish our body, mind, and soul. My goal is to inspire, through my recipes and stories, other families to a healthier lifestyle.
