EO French Lavender Hand Sanitizer Gel
Important note on hand sanitizers
When choosing hand sanitizers, I look for formulas with 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 brands that disclose their scent ingredients and include moisturizing ingredients to help offset alcohol's drying effects. Soap and water are still my first choice, but hand sanitizer is useful when washing isn't an option.
Product description
EO French Lavender Hand Sanitizer Gel contains 62% ethyl alcohol derived from non-GMO sugarcane. Unlike a spray, this formula has a gel consistency and contains vegetable glycerin and organic jojoba seed oil to help moisturize the hands.
The scent comes from two types of lavender essential oil, including lavandin, rather than an undisclosed fragrance blend.
Ingredients
Active Ingredient: Ethanol (62%) – Antiseptic
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Lavandula Hybrida Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Aminomethyl Propanol.
Certified organic ingredients
EWG Rating: 3/10 (Fair), based on the submitted ingredient report.
What I like
I like that EO uses alcohol derived from non-GMO sugarcane and doesn't include artificial dyes, parabens, or an undisclosed fragrance blend. The brand identifies both lavender oils, making it easier to research the ingredients rather than relying on a generic fragrance description.
I also appreciate the addition of glycerin and organic jojoba oil to help reduce the drying feeling that can come with frequent hand sanitizer use.
The gel formula is another benefit for anyone who prefers not to use a spray, since it reduces the chance of breathing in airborne droplets during application.
Things to keep in mind
Although the lavender oils are organic, they can still cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially for people with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. EWG also identifies potential hormone-related concerns associated with lavender oil, although evidence that normal use of this finished sanitizer causes hormonal effects is limited.
*This formula also contains carbomer, dimethicone, and aminomethyl propanol. Carbomer gives the sanitizer its gel texture, while aminomethyl propanol helps adjust its acidity. Both can raise irritation concerns depending on their concentration and formulation.
Dimethicone is a silicone ingredient that helps the product spread smoothly and creates a protective feel on the skin. It is generally considered low concern for topical use, but silicone ingredients can raise questions about manufacturing impurities and environmental persistence.
EWG rates the submitted formula 3, with allergy-related concerns contributing to that assessment.
As with other alcohol-based sanitizers, frequent use may dry out the skin. Keep the product away from flames, and supervise young children during use.