Dr. Bronner's Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer

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

Dr. Bronner's Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer is a quick-drying spray made with 62% organic, fair trade ethyl alcohol, water, organic glycerin, and organic lavender essential oil.

The formula contains just four ingredients and has a natural lavender scent without added synthetic fragrance. The glycerin is sourced from organic soy, and the bottle is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.

Ingredients

Ingredients: Organic Fair Trade Ethyl Alcohol (62%), Water, Organic Glycerin, Organic Lavender Oil.

Ingredient Sourcing: Ethyl alcohol is certified fair trade, and glycerin is sourced from organic soy.

EWG Rating: 1 (Low Hazard), based on EWG's Build Your Own Report. This is an estimated ingredient-based score with fair data availability. The calculation excluded the 62% ethyl alcohol.

What I like

I like the simplicity of this formula. With only four ingredients, there's less to investigate than sanitizers with long lists of fragrances, preservatives, and other additives.

I also appreciate that Dr. Bronner's discloses the source of its glycerin and uses organic ingredients, including certified fair trade alcohol.

The formula uses ethyl alcohol without listing an additional denaturant, and it discloses lavender essential oil rather than hiding it under a general fragrance ingredient.

Things to keep in mind

Lavender essential oil contains naturally occurring fragrance compounds that can cause irritation or allergic reactions, particularly for people with sensitive skin. Some of these compounds can also become more sensitizing when exposed to air and light.

Sourcing and manufacturing essential oils are additional considerations. Independent testing has detected phthalates in some essential oil products, highlighting why processing, packaging, and contaminant testing matter.

Because this is a spray, you may inhale alcohol vapors and fine droplets during application. Spray directly onto hands, away from the face, and supervise young children during use.

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