PURELL is a refreshing instant hand sanitizer that kills 99.99% of most common germs that may cause disease and is used without soap, water or towels.
The active ingredient in PURELL is ethyl alcohol - sometimes referred to as "mother nature's disinfectant." Ethyl alcohol is classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Category I active ingredient, which means it's generally recognized as safe and effective when used as directed.
Yes. The FDA's Tentative Final Monograph cites ethyl alcohol, the active ingredient in PURELL, as safe and effective.
Alcohol works by denaturing proteins.
Clinical studies have shown that a properly formulated alcohol-based hand sanitizer with emollients (PURELL) is actually better tolerated than soap-and-water hand washing - not drying and irritating.
Yes, but not when hands are visibly soiled. PURELL is a great way to kill germs, but will not remove dirt, grease or grime off hands.
No. PURELL is an instant hand sanitizer designed to kill germs on the hands when you don't have access to soap and water. PURELL can also be used after handwashing as a supplement to kill germs that may remain after soap and water hand washing.
Place enough product in your palm to thoroughly cover your hands. Be sure to sanitize the front and backs of your hands, as well as between your fingers and under your nails. Rub hands together briskly until dry. No rinsing required. No towels needed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used when hands are not visibly soiled. If hands are visibly soiled, use soap and water.
No. PURELL leaves no harmful residue. Hands are left feeling soft and refreshed. A small bit of emollient (skin conditioning agent) is left on the hands after use.
No. Once your hands are dry, all the alcohol has evaporated.
They rise to the top of PURELL. PURELL without bubbles is equally effective.
PURELL has no residual germ-killing effect. PURELL kills germs on contact, but once it has evaporated, the germ-killing action has stopped.
Use enough PURELL to completely cover your hands.
Yes. PURELL is a sanitizer, not a cleaner; meaning that it will kill germs, but will not remove dirt, grease or grime off hands.
PURELL can be used whenever hands are not visibly soiled. It can be used repeatedly, and there is no need to wash your hands between uses unless they become visibly soiled. Additionally, there is no harmful residue left on hands after use.
The alcohol in PURELL denatures (inactivates) bacterial proteins and disrupts the integrity of the cell wall resulting in rupture of the cell and death.
Yes, however, because PURELL has no residual antimicrobial activity, the natural flora left in the skin will resurface and repopulate quickly on the skin. PURELL does eliminate some of your good germs while it gets rid of the bad germs. The same is true when washing with soap and water. However, in both cases, your body quickly regenerates the good germs. So rest assured, there is no harm from using either regular soap and water or PURELL.
No. Because alcohol evaporates completely, there is no alcohol left behind to promote adaptation. Alcohol has been used in healthcare for over 100 years with no adverse effects. There is no evidence that microorganisms adapt or become resistant to PURELL.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, such as PURELL, are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA Tentative Final Monograph1 contains rules for each class of products and describes acceptable active ingredients, doses, formulations, claims and labeling requirements for hand antiseptics.
1 Tentative Final Monograph for Over-the-Counter (OTC) Healthcare Antiseptic Drug Products; June 17, 1994 (59 FR 31402)
Generally the expiration date is printed on the bottom or back of the package. If there is no expiration date printed on the package, the product is good for 3 years from the date of manufacture.
PURELL Instant Hand Sanitizer and PURELL E-3 Rated Instant Hand Sanitizer are Kosher and Pareve certified.
PURELL does not contain any animal products or by-products.
PURELL has been the leading instant hand sanitizer in healthcare and foodservice for over ten years. Because of the high demand for PURELL among professionals using it at work, GOJO introduced the product to the consumer market in 1996.
GOJO technical personnel know the science of hand hygiene, monitor the latest research affecting the category and work with global thought leaders, so they may respond to your questions. To contact GOJO technical personnel, call 800-321-9647 and mention that you have a question about efficacy.
PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99% of most common germs that may cause illness.
Download pdf (160 KB) of PURELL fact sheet.