doTERRA On Guard Hand Sanitizing Mist

Important note on hand sanitizers

When choosing hand sanitizers, I look for formulas containing at least 60% alcohol and pay close attention to the inactive ingredients. I avoid benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, triclosan, chloroxylenol, artificial dyes, undisclosed fragrance blends, parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and ethoxylated ingredients.

I also look for ingredient transparency and moisturizing ingredients that help with the drying effects of alcohol. Soap and water are still my first choice, but hand sanitizer is useful when washing isn't an option.

Product description

doTERRA On Guard Hand Sanitizing Mist is a quick-drying spray made with 70% ethyl alcohol, apple fruit extract, and glycerin to help moisturize the skin.

The formula contains doTERRA's On Guard essential oil blend, including wild orange, clove, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, and rosemary. These oils give the sanitizer its warm, spicy, citrus scent.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Ethyl Alcohol (70%).

Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil.

EWG Rating: 3 (Fair), based on EWG's Build Your Own Report. This is an estimated ingredient-based score, and several submitted ingredient entries were not included in the calculation.

What I like

I like that doTERRA discloses the individual essential oils in its formula rather than listing them under an undisclosed fragrance blend.

The addition of apple fruit extract and glycerin is another positive, since alcohol-based sanitizers can be drying with repeated use.

doTERRA also states that its CPTG program tests essential oils for purity and quality by evaluating their chemical composition.

Things to keep in mind

The essential oil blend contains several potential skin allergens, particularly clove, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, and orange peel oils. EWG's ingredient-based report also identifies elevated allergy concerns. These ingredients may be problematic for people with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies, especially with repeated use.

Essential oil sourcing and manufacturing are additional considerations. Independent testing has detected phthalates in some essential oil products, underscoring the importance of processing, packaging, and contaminant testing.

Because this product is applied as a fine mist, you may inhale alcohol vapors and small droplets during application. Spray directly onto the hands, away from the face, and use caution around young children.

As with other alcohol-based sanitizers, frequent use can contribute to dry or irritated skin.