Alcohol-based hand sanitizers

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are liquid products containing a high concentration of alcohol, typically 60-95%, designed to quickly kill many germs, including bacteria and viruses, on the skin. They work by disrupting the protective outer layer of microbial cells, rendering them inactive. These sanitizers are convenient alternatives to soap and water, especially when cleaning hands isn't possible. For effective use, apply enough to cover all surfaces of the hands and rub thoroughly until dry, usually about 20 seconds. While effective against many pathogens, they are less effective against certain parasites and chemical contaminants.