Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of sanitizer?

Author: Hellen Altenwerth  |  Last update: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and hand sanitizers aren't the same. While both disinfect, rubbing alcohol isn't skin-friendly. Hand sanitizers like Common Sense, with ethyl alcohol and moisturizing ingredients, ensure safe and effective germ protection without the risks associated with isopropyl alcohol.

Can rubbing alcohol be used as sanitizer?

It Makes Hand Sanitizer

You can make your own hand sanitizer at home with a few ingredients. Mix ⅔ cup of rubbing alcohol and ⅓ cup of aloe vera gel in a bowl until blended.

Is rubbing alcohol safe on skin?

Prolonged exposure to rubbing alcohol may cause respiratory, kidney damage, and some skin damage. Prolonged or repeated contact with one's skin causes defatting of the skin with irritation, dryness, and cracking.

When should you not use alcohol hand rub?

Hand Sanitiser (alcohol hand rub)

Hand sanitiser (alcohol gel) is more effective than soap and water provided hands are visibly clean before application. Hand sanitiser is applied directly onto dry hands. It must not be used when experiencing diarrhoea and/or vomiting, or visiting a patient with these symptoms.

Is it bad to put rubbing alcohol on your hands?

"Another important caveat is that even when used topically, isopropyl alcohol dehydrates the skin, and may even cause superficial burns. More importantly, damaged skin places you at higher risk for skin infections," says Dr. Glatter. As for liquor, again, most are not strong enough to clean your hands.

9 Rubbing Alcohol Health Benefits, Life-Hacks & Beauty Uses YOU NEVER KNEW!

Where should you not use rubbing alcohol?

Flammable Surfaces

Rubbing alcohol is a highly flammable substance, so you should never use it to clean flammable surfaces, or areas that are exposed to open flames (such as a fireplace). It's also a smart idea to steer clear of surfaces that routinely get hot.

What is the difference between isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol are not the same. Rubbing alcohol consists of isopropyl alcohol and some water. Sometimes it contains other additional ingredients. On the other hand, isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol with little to no water and other ingredients.

Can alcohol be absorbed through the skin?

Generally, it is stated that ethanol is absorbed by human skin in a quantity described as "toxicologically negligible".

Does 70% rubbing alcohol disinfect?

Why Is 70% the Most Effective Concentration of Isopropyl Alcohol for Disinfection? Isopropyl alcohol, particularly in solutions between 60% and 90% alcohol with 10 – 40% purified water, is rapidly antimicrobial against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Is it OK to clean your body with rubbing alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol can help kill odor-causing bacteria. A person can apply rubbing alcohol under the armpits to help eliminate body odors. However, they should avoid applying rubbing alcohol soon after shaving, as this will cause stinging.

Which alcohol is best for skin?

1 – Clear distilled spirits - Vodka, gin and tequila

Clear alcohol has the least additives and move through your system the fastest.

Can you put rubbing alcohol on a popped pimple?

Don't use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on wounds or to control oily skin or acne breakouts. They're not effective and they can damage your skin, making the problem worse. Just use soap and water to clean a wound, and for acne, use an over-the-counter product with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Is isopropyl alcohol safe to use on skin?

Some people may find rubbing alcohol irritates their skin. People can wash the substance away with soap and water if this occurs. People should never use pure isopropyl alcohol on their skin because it can pass through the skin and cause toxicity.

What happens when you mix rubbing alcohol with water?

What to expect. Alcohol makes swirly patterns as it goes into the water. When stirred, the alcohol completely dissolves into the water.

Can I use 91 isopropyl alcohol as hand sanitizer?

The CDC recommends hand sanitizers of at least 60% alcohol (ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol) for hand sanitation.

Is rubbing alcohol the same as hand sanitizer?

Rubbing alcohol contains around 68–72% alcohol. Hand sanitiser is made to be more pleasant to use, safer, and kinder to the skin. In an emergency, you could sterilise your hands with rubbing alcohol, but using it regularly could seriously damage your skin.

Can rubbing alcohol enter the bloodstream?

Rubbing alcohol is also more potent than ethanol and is very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Why does skin flush with alcohol?

Facial flushing after drinking alcohol is a symptom of high alcohol sensitivity, which means that the body is less tolerant of alcohol. All alcoholic drinks contain ethanol. After a person drinks alcohol, their body begins to break down the ethanol into other substances, or metabolites, to make it easier to flush out.

Is alcohol a good disinfectant?

Health-care facilities with limited resources may not have access to a variety of hospital disinfectants, however, alcohol and bleach are acceptable chemical disinfectants if used appropriately. As with any other disinfectants, soiled surfaces need to be cleaned with water and detergent first.

Is rubbing alcohol flammable after it dries?

According to the World Health Organization, all alcohol-based products are potentially flammable and therefore they should be stored away from high temperatures and flames.

Can I spray alcohol on my bed to disinfect?

You might not realize that your bed and bedding are a breeding ground for all sorts of unpleasant things like sweat, dust mites, dead skin cells, and many other things. Spraying bed with alcohol is a quick, easy way to provide your sleeping surface with effective disinfection.

What else can you use rubbing alcohol for?

What is rubbing alcohol used for?
  • Clean your bathroom tools. Alcohol is handy for disinfecting household tools like thermometers, scissors and manicure tools. ...
  • Wipe down your tech. ...
  • Deodorize your armpits. ...
  • De-funk your shoes. ...
  • Clean your face. ...
  • Mix DIY hand sanitizer. ...
  • Soothe a boo-boo. ...
  • Clean pierced ears.

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