Bath & Body Works PocketBac Japanese Cherry Blossom Hand Sanitizer
Summary
Bath & Body Works PocketBac scores 12/100 — among the worst mainstream sanitizer formulations on shelves. Effective 68% ethyl alcohol active, but the inactive list reads like a textbook of cosmetic-industry concerns: heavy synthetic fragrance built on Lilial (Butylphenyl Methylpropional, banned in the EU as a reproductive toxicant), Benzophenone-2 (a documented endocrine disruptor banned in Sweden), and a dozen named allergens (Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral). Plus five synthetic dyes including Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 33 and Ext. Violet 2 for color, isopropyl myristate, and propylene glycol. The high-fragrance load is why these products are notorious for triggering contact dermatitis.
At a glance
Key ingredients 24
Ethyl Alcohol (68%)Good
Active sanitizing agent at effective CDC-recommended concentration. Pharmaceutical grade.
See more about Ethyl Alcohol (68%) →WaterNeutral
Solvent base. Inert and necessary for formulation.
See more about Water →Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerNeutral
Synthetic gel-forming polymer. Inert and not absorbed through skin, but a microplastic-class polymer that does not biodegrade.
See more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer →GlycerinGood
Humectant that draws water into the skin; offsets alcohol's drying effect. Safe, well-tolerated, and biodegradable.
See more about Glycerin →Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceGood
Soothing botanical that helps offset alcohol's drying effect.
See more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice →Aminomethyl PropanolNeutral
pH adjuster used at very low concentrations. Generally well-tolerated.
See more about Aminomethyl Propanol →Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)Good
Synthetic Vitamin E ester used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioner.
See more about Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) →Isopropyl MyristateBad
Synthetic emollient that is highly comedogenic and can enhance penetration of other ingredients into the skin — meaning it lets fragrance and preservatives deliver deeper.
See more about Isopropyl Myristate →Propylene GlycolBad
Petroleum-derived humectant. Common irritant and allergen, especially with frequent application. Cleaner brands use glycerin alone.
See more about Propylene Glycol →Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Undisclosed fragrance blend — can contain dozens of unlisted synthetic chemicals including phthalates and known allergens. A major contributor to contact dermatitis and one of the most common reasons hand sanitizers irritate sensitive skin.
See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →Benzophenone-2Very Bad
Endocrine disruptor with documented estrogenic and antithyroid activity. Banned in personal-care products in Sweden; flagged by EWG as a high-hazard ingredient.
See more about Benzophenone-2 →Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial)Very Bad
Synthetic fragrance ingredient classified as a CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or toxic for Reproduction) substance and banned from cosmetics in the EU since March 2022. Still permitted in the US.
See more about Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial) →Benzyl Alcohol
Fragrance component and preservative; common allergen.
See more about Benzyl Alcohol →Benzyl Salicylate
Fragrance ingredient classified as an established contact allergen under EU cosmetic regulation.
See more about Benzyl Salicylate →Citral
Lemony fragrance ingredient on the EU 26-allergen list.
See more about Citral →Citronellol
Rose-citrus fragrance ingredient on the EU 26-allergen list.
See more about Citronellol →Coumarin
Sweet hay fragrance ingredient on the EU 26-allergen list.
See more about Coumarin →Geraniol
Rose fragrance ingredient on the EU 26-allergen list.
See more about Geraniol →Hexyl Cinnamal
Synthetic jasmine fragrance ingredient on the EU 26-allergen list.
See more about Hexyl Cinnamal →Hydroxycitronellal
Lily-of-the-valley fragrance ingredient on the EU 26-allergen list. Documented contact allergen.
See more about Hydroxycitronellal →Limonene
Citrus fragrance ingredient; can oxidize into a stronger contact allergen.
See more about Limonene →Linalool
Floral fragrance ingredient; can oxidize into a stronger contact allergen.
See more about Linalool →Eugenol
Clove fragrance ingredient on the EU 26-allergen list.
See more about Eugenol →Red 33 / Yellow 5 / Yellow 6 / Yellow 10 / Ext. Violet 2Very Bad
Five synthetic petroleum-derived dyes used purely for color. Several (Yellow 5/Tartrazine, Yellow 6/Sunset Yellow) are linked to behavioral effects in children; California Prop 65 lists certain colorants. No functional benefit — only aesthetic.
See more about Red 33 / Yellow 5 / Yellow 6 / Yellow 10 / Ext. Violet 2 →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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