Frequently Asked Questions

Since PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer was introduced to consumers in 1997, it has helped millions of people stay healthy by reducing bacteria on their skin. PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99 percent of the most common germs that may cause illness.

As with all over-the-counter products, it is important to use PURELL® products properly and according to the instructions on the label: wet hands thoroughly with product, and briskly rub hands together until dry. Adults should always supervise children in the use of the product.

Germs live all around us. Our bodies are covered with germs that help us stay healthy. These are considered "good" germs and, since they reside on the body, are referred to as resident germs. In addition to the good germs, we are also exposed to ones that we pick up from contact with other people or objects. These are called transient germs. It is these germs that are often responsible for making you sick. Similar to washing your hands with soap and water, PURELL® products reduce some of your resident germs while killing the transient germs. However, in both cases, your body quickly regenerates your resident germs which are generally harmless and actually important for healthy skin.

The alcohol content in PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer is at a level which safely and effectively reduces the level on hands of the most common germs that may cause illness. Using alcohol based instant hand sanitizers, when soap and water are not available, is one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations.

Laboratory testing has never shown alcohol-based hand sanitizers like PURELL® to lead to bacterial resistance. There is no evidence that organisms adapt and become immune to the active ingredient in PURELL® products. Once your hands are rubbed dry after application of PURELL®, the alcohol has evaporated completely. PURELL® leaves no harmful residue. A small bit of emollient (skin conditioning agent) is left on the hands after use to leave your hands feeling soft and refreshed.

If used as directed, which is to apply enough PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer to thoroughly wet hands, a consumer can get 29-30 uses out of a 2 fl oz bottle.

Practicing good hand hygiene is especially important:

• After using the bathroom
• Before eating or drinking anything
• Before and after handling raw foods, fish, poultry, or eggs
• After using a public phone
• After riding public transportation
• In schools and day care centers
• After changing diapers
• When one is sick
• After shaking hands
• After sneezing or coughing
• After touching an ATM, elevator buttons or escalator handrails

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty. The CDC recommends that children in school may use alcohol-based hand rubs as an alternative to handwashing.

According to the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (IFH), the hands are one of the most frequent transmission routes for many types of infections as they come into direct contact with known portals of entry for pathogens (mouth, nose, conjunctiva of the eyes). Therefore, practicing proper hand hygiene is the easiest way to help reduce infections. Another way that some infections can spread is through the air, which is why it is important to cover your mouth when you sneeze, either with a tissue or by sneezing into your elbow.

Use soap and water, especially when hands are visibly dirty. Wash hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds.

When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Apply enough product to thoroughly wet hands, then rub hands together briskly until dry.