8 Unusual Facts You Didn’t Know About Hand Sanitizer

Personal hygiene comes first! People always washed and bathed even the most ancient of our ancestors. However, the disinfecting potential of various substances was only discovered in the 19th century when Joseph Lister began researching the antiseptic properties of various materials, including carbolic acid, which was used to disinfect sewage pipes in London.

Hand sanitizers in their usual for us form appeared only in 1966, thanks to Lupe Hernandez, a student nurse from California, who invented and patented the alcohol-based gel. However, this product became available in regular stores only in 1988.

What other curious things about hand sanitizers will we learn today?

1. What even is a sanitizer?

Sanitizer is an antiseptic in the form of a gel on an alcohol or non-alcohol basis. The composition of the sanitizer also includes additional antibacterial agents that not only protect but also moisturize the skin of the hands. Thus, it kills most bacteria, without causing any significant harm to the skin.

2. How does it work?

The alcohol in the sanitizer is super-effective and destroys various bacteria and viruses quite easily, but it’s never 99.9%, as advertised. In real life, getting rid of all the germs will not work. Aside from that, sanitizer works best when there is no visible dirt on the hands. For example, if you washed your hands and then treated them with an antibacterial gel.

3. What’s the correct way to use sanitizer?

Generally, you should use hand sanitizers if you don’t have access to soap and water. But before that, wipe your hands with wet wipes to remove as much dirt as possible. It is not recommended to use the sanitizer every day, because your skin will eventually become irritated and dry. And dry skin will almost always lead to cracks and micro-wounds, making it easier for the germs to get inside your bloodstream. In addition, bacteria and viruses often develop resistance to antiseptics. It’s just basic laws of evolution.