Hand Sanitizer Hazards
Hand Sanitizing “stations” are everywhere. The supermarket, gas station, drug store, the counter at the local diner…. these stations of hand sanitizers and/or bleach wipes are everywhere… it seems like a great concept, especially to a germ-a-phobe. There is a problem with these stations. The products these stations are providing are (of course) full of hazardous ingredients. They are doing more harm than good.
Triclosan
I have talked about triclosan before in my post about MamaSuds Foaming Hand Soap. Companies are now starting to take it out of products, but it’s still in many anti-bacterial products (just not in soap). It’s very controversial and eco-toxic. Steer clear of hand sanitizers that contain this ingredient.
Alcohol
Alcohol based products aren’t terrible when used sparingly. But used regularly they can cause dry cracked skin. Witch hazel is a great alternative to alcohol.
Fragrance
I am against synthetic ingredients period. The way they are produced is eco-toxic not to mention companies are not required to disclose anything about them other than label them as “fragrance”. Did you know there are over 3,000 chemicals that are used to make “fragrance”? It’s also one of the most prevalent allergens.
Parabens
Parabens are used as a preservative (a very good one at that). They are easily and rapidly absorbed through the skin. There are controversial studies connecting parabens in breast tissue tumors. Parabens are a known estrogen mimicker. I like to stay away from products that mimick anything my own body should or shouldn’t be doing.
There is such a thing as being too clean. (did I just say that?) Your body need germs to function properly. A proper balance of germs equals a healthy immune system. There are healthy alternatives to the chemical-laden sanitizers. Carry around a bottle of witch hazel in a spray bottle and spray your hands and shopping cart with them. Or you can add essential oils that have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and ant-fungal properties.
All Natural and safe ingredients
MamaSuds All Natural Hand Sanitizer was one of our first products.
Ingredients: aloe vera gel juice, witch hazel, vegetable glycerin (kosher), and essential oils of lemon, tea tree and organic cinnamon leaf.
Inspired by my grandmother Effie, this All Natural Hand Sanitizer is a must have this cold and flu season! Made with Aloe Vera gel juice that your skin will love and witch hazel so that it will dry quickly. Essential oils of lemon, melaleuca (tea tree), and cinnamon bark will help ward off any unwanted germs without the need for any triclosan!