During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers quickly learned the most important ingredient in hand sanitizer is alcohol, specifically the 60%-80% alcohol content necessary to kill viruses.

But less attention has been paid to other ingredients that make hand sanitizing gels more effective, safer, and appealing to users.

One thing to understand is that while a minimum of 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol content is necessary, a formula that is 100% alcohol is not as effective. The gel needs water to dissolve the outer shell of the virus and allow the alcohol to attack.

Rheology modifiers are crucial ingredients. Everyone has had the experience of using a too-thin hand sanitizer that runs right off the hands. Rheology modifiers thicken the solution into a gel that stays longer on the hands, allowing it to be more effective and easier to use. Lubrizol’s Carbopol^® polymers create crystal clarity, as well as the desired texture and flow in a formulation with excellent sensory characteristics.

Because alcohol can dry the skin, it’s important to include ingredients that moisturize and protect. Depending on the formulation, we add specialty silicones and emollients.

We know people use hand sanitizers more frequently if the gel is pleasant to use. Botanicals and sensory modifiers all raise the consumer experience from a necessary chore to a pleasurable ritual.

With our extensive knowledge of hand sanitizer gels, we can quickly and efficiently provide the formulation you need. To learn more, contact us today!

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