Purell Hand Sanitizer (2006 formulation) || Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews

PURELL HAND SANITIZER (2006 FORMULATION)

last updated: 05/01/06 brand: Purell by GoJo Industries

SCORE

high hazard (out of 10)

73%

data gap

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97% of hand sanitizers have lower concerns

COMPANY POLICIES

Compact for Safe Cosmetics
Non-signer: This company has not signed the Compact.

Animal Testing Policy
This company's animal testing policy is unknown.

Given the incomplete information made available by companies and the government, EWG provides additional information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature. The chart below indicates that research studies have found that exposure to one or more ingredients in this product -- not the product itself -- caused the indicated health effect(s) in the studies reviewed by Skin Deep researchers. Actual health risks, if any, will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility -- information not available in Skin Deep.

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
	Cancer
	Developmental/reproductive toxicity
	Violations, restrictions & warnings
	Allergies/immunotoxicity
	Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Miscellaneous, Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

Ingredients from packaging: ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: ETHYL ALCOHOL 62%. INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: WATER (AQUA); STEARYL ALCOHOL; CYCLOMETHICONE; C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE; CETYL LACTATE; COCAMIDOPROPYL PG-DIMONIUM CHLORIDE PHOSPHATE; GLYCERIN; PEG-4; PROPYLENE GLYCOL; TOCOPHERYL ACETATE; AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL; CARBOMER; STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER; FRAGRANCE (PARFUM); DIAZOLIDINYL UREA; IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE; METHYLPARABEN; PROPYLPARABEN.

Directions from packaging: Put a thumbnail size amount in your palm and rub hands together briskly until dry.

Warnings from packaging: As with all drug products, children under 6 years of age should be supervised when using purell. May discolor certain fabrics or surfaces. Flammable; keep away from fire or flame. For external use only. Keep out of eyes. In case of eye contact immediately flush eyes with water; call a doctor. Discontinue use if irritation or redness develops. If condition persists for more than 72 hours, consult a doctor. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, call a doctor.

user reviews & comments

edencrunch

"When I used this product, my skin sloughed off later on the inside of my hands and I had mild hives on the tops of my hands in the form of red bumps a ..."

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ingredients

	score	data gap	concerns
METHYLPARABEN	10	63%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Biochemical or cellular level changes
FRAGRANCE	8	100%	Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Miscellaneous
PEG-4	4	74%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)
IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE	4	65%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
DIAZOLIDINYL UREA	6	59%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (FORMALDEHYDE)
ETHANOL ETHYL ALCOHOL (Active Ingredient)	5	74%	Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Occupational hazards
PROPYLPARABEN	5	71%	Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE	4	81%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)
CETYL LACTATE	4	74%	Violations, restrictions & warnings
PROPYLENE GLYCOL	4	60%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption
STYRENE/ ACRYLATES COPOLYMER	3	75%	Contamination concerns (METHACRYLIC ACID, ACRYLIC ACID, 2-ETHYLHEXYL ACRYLATE)
CYCLOMETHICONE	2	83%	Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
GLYCERIN	2	74%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards
AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL	2	71%	Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES, OXAZOLIDINE)
C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE	0	94%	none identified
STEARYL ALCOHOL	1	84%	Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
COCAMIDOPROPYL PG-DIMONIUM CHLORIDE PHOSPHATE	0	100%	none identified
CARBOMER	0	93%	none identified
WATER	0	0%	innocuous

Cancer*

*This table includes all possible cancer concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show tumor formation at high doses		STEARYL ALCOHOL
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLPARABEN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, METHYLPARABEN, GLYCERIN, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA
Cancer - limited evidence		ETHANOL
Cancer - not classifiable/not likely to be human carcinogen		CETYL LACTATE

Developmental/reproductive toxicity*

*This table includes all possible developmental/reproductive toxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at moderate doses		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN
One or more animal studies show any effects at low doses		PROPYLPARABEN
Limited evidence of reproductive toxicity		ETHANOL

Violations, restrictions & warnings*

*This table includes all possible violations, restrictions & warnings concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations - Safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications		STYRENE/ ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-4, IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - restricted for use in some types of cosmetics (concentration limit)		IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
Determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations - Safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications		AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL, CETYL LACTATE, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - prohibited for use in some types of cosmetics		IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
Violation of government restrictions - Banned or found unsafe for use in cosmetics		METHYLPARABEN
Violation of industry recommendations - Restricted in cosmetics; use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Allowable pH limits		CETYL LACTATE

Neurotoxicity*

*This table includes all possible neurotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
nervous system - weight of evidence unknown/unassessed/unreview: published lit review or major tox study		ETHANOL
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at high doses		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses		METHYLPARABEN
Moderate evidence of human neurotoxicity		FRAGRANCE
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses		AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL

Endocrine disruption*

*This table includes all possible endocrine disruption concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Human any disruptor - strong evidence		PROPYLPARABEN
One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses		DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, GLYCERIN
Human any disruptor - strong evidence		METHYLPARABEN

Allergies/immunotoxicity*

*This table includes all possible allergies/immunotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Limited evidence of skin and immune system toxicity		PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Human skin toxicant - strong evidence		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
Known human immune system toxicant		FRAGRANCE, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA

Persistence and bioaccumulation*

*This table includes all possible persistence and bioaccumulation concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife		CYCLOMETHICONE
Not suspected to be bioaccumulative		ETHANOL

Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)*

*This table includes all possible organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show metabolic effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CYCLOMETHICONE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
Limited evidence of sense organ toxicity		PROPYLPARABEN, PEG-4, IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE, ETHANOL
One or more animal studies show kidney or renal system effects at very low doses		GLYCERIN
Known human any toxicant		METHYLPARABEN

Miscellaneous*

*This table includes all possible miscellaneous concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Occupational hazards related to handling		ETHANOL
Ingredient not fully labeled - identity unknown		FRAGRANCE

Multiple, additive exposure sources*

*This table includes all possible multiple, additive exposure sources concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, PROPYLPARABEN, PEG-4, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, METHYLPARABEN, GLYCERIN, ETHANOL
Used in food or as an additive with limited or no toxicity information available		ETHANOL

Ecotoxicology*

*This table includes all possible ecotoxicology concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Suspected to be an environmental toxin		CYCLOMETHICONE
Wildlife and environmental toxicity		PROPYLPARABEN, AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL
Not suspected to be an environmental toxin		ETHANOL

Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)*

*This table includes all possible irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses		CYCLOMETHICONE, GLYCERIN
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at high doses		IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses		METHYLPARABEN, ETHANOL
Classified as skin irritant		PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Human any irritant - strong evidence	products for use around the eyes, on the skin, or may be aerosolized (airborne)	STEARYL ALCOHOL
Classified as irritant		AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL

Data gaps*

*This table includes all possible data gaps concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Safety assessment was based on related chemical		PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Missing safety data noted by cosmetic industry review		PEG-4
Safety assessment was based on related chemical		IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
Considered safe based on assumption of low absorption		STYRENE/ ACRYLATES COPOLYMER
Risk assessment method deficiencies and data gaps - Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, CYCLOMETHICONE
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel		C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE
Risk assessment method deficiencies and data gaps - Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product		CARBOMER
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel		GLYCERIN, FRAGRANCE, ETHANOL, COCAMIDOPROPYL PG-DIMONIUM CHLORIDE PHOSPHATE

Occupational hazards*

*This table includes all possible occupational hazards concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate doses		GLYCERIN
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to high doses		ETHANOL

Biochemical or cellular level changes*

*This table includes all possible biochemical or cellular level changes concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood		CYCLOMETHICONE, ETHANOL, GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Interferes with gene expresion		METHYLPARABEN