Buzz
The coronavirus pandemic has turned hand sanitizer from an item casually stashed in cars and drawers into a national necessity. Despite ongoing shortages, people are attempting to create their own, often without success. (DIY sanitizer might not be sterile or have the right concentration of ingredients.)
If you manage to grab a bottle of Purell or another trusted brand, you might spot an expiration date. Can it truly “expire” and lose its effectiveness?
The short answer: yes. Hand sanitizer generally contains at least 60 percent alcohol, which is sufficient to kill germs when applied to your hands. As per Insider, that vital alcohol percentage can decrease over time as it evaporates after the bottle is opened. As the alcohol evaporates, the solution's effectiveness diminishes.
While there’s no exact rule for how long it takes for a bottle of sanitizer to lose its alcohol content, manufacturers typically set the expiration date three years from production. (Since the product is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, it must include an expiration date.)
Let’s say you’ve discovered an old bottle of sanitizer hidden away in your home. It expired in 2018. Should you still use it? It’s not ideal, but in the absence of better options, even a diminished alcohol level will still offer some germ-killing power. If it’s never been opened, you’re in better luck, as more of the alcohol will have stayed intact.
Keep in mind that sanitizer, no matter its strength, is best used when soap and water are unavailable. Think of it as a temporary solution until you can get your hands under a faucet. There’s no substitution for a good wash.
