The Hair-Raising Truth about Hand Sanitizers

True or false? The best way to keep from picking up flu and cold viruses is to clean your “paws” frequently with hand sanitizer.

Absolutely false! According to the CDC, washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water beats sanitizing ’em hands down. Having said that, a hand sanitizer is a must for those times when you’re out and about with no access to soap and water, or when you’re traveling by plane, train, car, or bus and need to use (sometimes questionable) public restrooms. But keep these two facts in mind:

·        A hand sanitizer will kill flu and cold viruses only if the formula consists of at least 65 percent alcohol that has a strength of at least 91 percent. So forget any so-called “gentle” or “natural” brands that actually boast about being alcohol-free.

·        Most commercial hand sanitizers contain chemicals that not only offer zero protection against germs, but may also do more long-term harm than the maladies you’re trying to prevent. In particular, steer clear of products whose labels sport any form of the terms paraben and fragrance (a.k.a. parfum). These substances trigger allergic reactions in many folks and are also being implicated in major health woes, including hormone disruption, diabetes, and cancer.

This highly portable hand cleaner will demolish flu and cold viruses on contact — with none of the potentially dangerous chemicals found in most commercial brands:

Pour ¾ cup of rubbing alcohol (at least 91% strength), ⅜ cup of pure aloe vera gel, 5 drops of cinnamon oil, and 5 drops of sweet orange oil into a blender or food processor, and run it on high for a minute or two. (Don’t worry: A thorough washing will remove all traces of alcohol and aloe.) Transfer the mixture to small spray or pump-top bottles, and carry them with you to use as you would any other hand sanitizer. The blend will keep at room temperature for at least six months.