What is the Difference Between Rubbing Alcohol and Hand Sanitizer?

The main difference between rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer lies in their composition and intended use. Here are the key differences:

Composition: Rub

On this page

Comparative Table: Rubbing Alcohol vs Hand Sanitizer

The main difference between rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer is that rubbing alcohol is denatured, while hand sanitizers are solutions containing a high percentage of alcohol in water. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature	Rubbing Alcohol	Hand Sanitizer
Active Ingredient	Denatured ethanol or isopropanol	A combination of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropanol with water
Content	Contains denaturants (additives that make it poisonous)	Alcohol content is typically between 60-75%
Use	Cleaning and disinfection	Killing microbes on hands
Efficacy	Effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi	Effective against bacteria, but only partially effective against viruses
Application	Can be used in place of hand sanitizer if alcohol content is between 60-75%	Recommended for COVID-19 with a minimum alcohol content of 60%

Remember that hand sanitizers with alcohol content above 75% should be questioned regarding their effectiveness. It is also important to note that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are more effective against bacteria than viruses.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.