Any chemists about? Alternatives to Alcohol for Hand Sanitiser

[MeganTheVegan]

Due to the worldwide shortage of alcohol, does anybody have any views on which non-alcohol alternatives are best for a hand sanitiser? We are using Benzalkonium Chloride but I know it is not nearly as effective as 70% alcohol. I am also looking into some other alternatives but am not convinced by any of them, to be honest.

Would be interested to hear some other views. Thanks.

Vodka

@NellGwynsPenguin . I had considered a Vodka-based hand gel, but you need special licences, etc.

The best thing to use is normal soap and water

@Thepigeonsarecoming Absolutely, soap and water is the best. However, for people working with vulnerable groups, an extra layer of protection is needed.

I've not heard of any others.
Washing your hands is better, of course, if possible.

Hand sanitiser does not give any extra layer of protection.

If you use soap then you don’t need any “extra level of protection” as the soap breaks the bonds of the virus.

Are you talking about between meets? In which case take a bowl, your soap and a bottle of water and wash your hands using this before you get back in your car. Antibacterial gel or hand sanitizer is easier to use but won’t top this or improve it?

So do you think that a good Hand Wash Gel followed by a spritz of a Benzalkonium Chloride-based Hand Sanitiser is sufficient?

No I think a basic bar of soap is better

Benzalkonium Chloride is fine. See table in link below

www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/public-cleanliness/environmental-cleaning-guidelines/guidelines/interim-list-of-household-products-and-active-ingredients-for-disinfection-of-covid-19

If you're using hand wash gel (or soap, any normal surfactant) and washing your hands properly you don't need anything else.

I've got a few bottles of this. Fuck me it reeks.

Vodka is 40% alcohol so not effective.

Any hand soak will break the fat layer the virus and turn it inactive as long as you wash with the right technique and long enough

This demonstration with black paint is worth more than any explanation
mobile.twitter.com/emergenciescat/status/1242714394737475584?s=20

LeGrandBleu - that link appears to be for surface disinfectants, some of those chemicals are absolutely not suitable for hand cleaning!

Sergical spitit is 70% alcohol and you mix 2/3 sergical spirits to 1/3 aloe vera.

The table had the purpose to show that Benzalkonium Chloride is effective .

T

You may have realised that but it's possible someone else would see that and try one of the other things.

@LeGrandBleu Thanks very much.

However, for people working with vulnerable groups, an extra layer of protection is needed.

Nope. Soap and water is the most effective.

I’ve just ordered some hand sanitizer from pai skincare they have it in stock and are shipping tomorrow and every tube you buy they give a tube to a nursery or school. I think they are normally a uk beauty company and they’ve just started making this.

@Overthegardenfence That's a great idea - good for them!

I saw a report about them on a sky news report, I’m happy to support them !

the problem is that I am not talking about being near a wash basin or tap. i want people to be able to use a non-alcoholic foaming hand sanitizer that you don't have to wash off. is this ok?

Boots are doing a healthcare package for £35 which includes a 50ml hand gel.

Wondering if Boots are cashing in on the high demand for hand sanitiser by forcing the sale of other products that may not be needed?