As we’re approaching our first day back in school, let’s introduce the new student in TBH Kids’s class: the new methanol free hand sanitizer spray! Keeping your hands germ-free is becoming a main priority for every student and teacher returning to classrooms in the fall. That’s why TBH Kids is introducing its new hand sanitizer spray, so your teen doesn’t have to constantly return to the bathroom to wash their hands between classes. But when you buy current hand sanitizers, you might notice a weird difference between these and hand sanitizers made years ago. The main difference can be the fragrance because the CDC and FDA have changed its regulations, so smaller businesses can create their own line of sanitizers to combat COVID-19 and the very quick rise of demand.
CDC Recommendations for Hand Sanitizers for Kids
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR), like alcohol based hand sanitizers, with 60-95% alcohol unless hands are visibly dirtied. This ABHR is generally less irritating to hands and are still effective if there’s no sink around. An important distinction between hand sanitizers made a year ago and sanitizers currently being made is the FDA policy that allows for ethanol or isopropyl to be used as the active ingredient in ABHR manufactured by businesses that are not currently registered with the FDA to manufacture drugs. This means every brand that doesn’t regularly produce hand sanitizers must incorporate one of these two active ingredients for ABHR. However, these new manufacturers are NOT allowed to alter the formula at all and will be shut down if they do. That means no moisturizers or fragrances – just pure hand sanitizer.
But you might have heard FDA warnings about the risk of methanol contamination in ethanol, which is very toxic to kids and teens if absorbed through the skin. This is very scary for many moms and dads because it’s difficult to know if the active ingredient is contaminated with methanol until you already feel the symptoms. We, at TBH Kids, want to give every parent some peace of mind through this whole madness, so rest assured, our manufacturer does not handle methanol. There will be no contamination risk in TBH Kids’ hand sanitizer spray, so you don’t have to worry. Parents and teachers already have so much to stress about, especially with what’s been going on in 2020, that we want to give you some peace of mind. If you have any questions or concerns, our customer service will always be there to help you!
Why is There No Added Fragrance in Hand Sanitizers?
The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) released guidelines for ABHR formulation. WHO does not recommend adding fragrance because of the risk of allergic reactions, which we as parents can all agree with, especially if our kids have sensitive skin. That’s why you might smell this weird fragrance that might not be pleasant at first, but it’s important to remember that this smell will dissipate after a few seconds, like any topical antiseptic and sanitizer.
We sincerely believe in the health of our kids and teens and, due to the risk of allergic reactions, didn’t add any fragrance in TBH Kids’s hand sanitizer spray. We take allergies very seriously, which is why all of our products contain natural ingredients that are gluten free, nut free, and dairy free.
Can I Replace Hand Washing with Hand Sanitizers?
No! The CDC lists key times when you are likely to get and spread germs, which will be resolved by washing your hands. You should only use hand sanitizers if soap and water isn’t readily available, but it’s important to keep in mind that sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs, may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, and hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.
To find a safe and best hand sanitizer for kids and teens, check out TBH Kids’s new hand sanitizer spray, which follows CDC, FDA, and WHO guidelines on formulation.
