Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel
Summary
Purell Advanced Refreshing Gel scores 27/100. The #1 brand in hospitals delivers an effective 70% ethyl alcohol kill, but the inactive list is dated: synthetic fragrance, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol secondary, and microplastic-class acrylate copolymer thickener. GOJO Industries was the subject of FDA warning letters in 2020 for unsubstantiated antiviral claims (specifically against COVID-19, flu, MRSA). Effective at germ-killing — but the carrier system contains everything cleaner formulations specifically avoid.
At a glance
Key ingredients 10
Ethyl Alcohol (70%)Good
Active sanitizing agent at high CDC-recommended concentration. Pharmaceutical grade.
See more about Ethyl Alcohol (70%) →WaterNeutral
Solvent base. Inert and necessary for formulation.
See more about Water →Isopropyl AlcoholNeutral
Secondary solvent. Adds drying to the formula.
See more about Isopropyl Alcohol →GlycerinGood
Humectant that draws water into the skin; offsets alcohol's drying effect. Safe, well-tolerated, and biodegradable.
See more about Glycerin →Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Synthetic preservative-booster and skin-conditioner derived from caprylic acid. Generally well-tolerated.
See more about Caprylyl Glycol →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 →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) →Aminomethyl PropanolNeutral
pH adjuster used at very low concentrations. Generally well-tolerated.
See more about Aminomethyl Propanol →Propylene GlycolBad
Petroleum-derived humectant. Common irritant and allergen, especially with frequent application. Cleaner brands use glycerin alone.
See more about Propylene Glycol →Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)Good
Synthetic Vitamin E ester used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioner.
See more about Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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