Updated, May 2022 – Just because they sell it, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Throw away these hand sanitizers immediately because these Hand Sanitizers Test Positive for Toxic Methanol. Methanol can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. It can also be life-threatening when ingested. The FDA has already received reports of products causing blindness, hospitalizations and death.

Many new cleaners and sanitizers have come on the market since the COVID19 outbreak. We know now that the virus is transmitted by air and liquid droplets so wearing a mask properly can help stop and slow transmission. Hand washing or sanitizing is still recommended and helps stop the spread of the flu, colds and other illnesses.

Hand Sanitizers Test Positive for Toxic Methanol

If you have any brand name or “manufactured by” hand sanitizers on this list, please throw them away immediately.  The FDA has reported a “a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination.”  There are 87 known contaminated products and all have been recalled, but many have made it out to consumer shelves.  Even a trusted sounding name like Hello Kitty or NeoNatural may contain methanol.

Be advised also that many contaminated products are simply labeled “Hand Sanitizer.” If you have one of these generic names sanitizers please check the label for the manufacturer name. Products with the following manufacturer names have been recalled: Esk, Grupo Insoma, Limpio Quimicos, MXL, Soluciones and Tropocosmeticos. 

If you need sanitizer, remember you can also use alcohol wipes or soak cotton balls in alcohol and use the cotton ball on your hands. Hand washing is always recommended as it kills more germs but sanitizers can be used when hand washing isn’t an option.

As we always say, “just because they sell it, doesn’t mean it’s safe.” Please check the full list of recalled products and FDA statement here.