Hand sanitizer is a vital tool for killing germs, especially in situations where soap and water aren’t available. In a pinch, a squirt or two can be the difference between staying healthy and getting sick. It makes sense to stock up.
But you may have noticed a date on your bottle of hand sanitizer. That’s because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers hand sanitizer to be an over-the-counter medication, which means it must have an expiration date.
This raises the question, does hand sanitizer really expire, or does it keep working even after the date on the bottle? Keep reading to find out how this product kills germs, why the expiration date matters, and how to properly store hand sanitizer to maximize shelf life.
Hand sanitizers are typically alcohol-based rubs containing ethanol or isopropyl alcohol at concentrations between 60 and 95 percent. Alcohol disrupts the cell membrane of bacteria and viruses, causing them to break down.
While hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration below 60 percent may kill some germs, many studies have shown that they aren’t as effective.
Non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain antimicrobial agents like triclosan or benzalkonium chloride. While they can kill germs, they tend to be less potent than alcohol-based formulas, particularly against viruses like the flu or coronavirus.
Expiration dates on products like medications and cosmetics refer to the point at which the manufacturer can no longer guarantee the product’s full safety or effectiveness.
With hand sanitizers, the active ingredient (such as alcohol) slowly evaporates over time. Once levels drop below 60 percent, the hand sanitizer becomes significantly less effective.
The shelf life of hand sanitizer typically ranges from three to five years, though it can vary depending on the brand and type of sanitizer.
A few factors can shorten how long a bottle of hand sanitizer retains its potency:
Opening the bottle: Alcohol is volatile, meaning it evaporates. Once the cap on the sanitizer has been opened, the alcohol levels will slowly decrease, reducing the product’s effectiveness.
High temperatures: Hand sanitizer should not be stored at temps above 105 degrees; you wouldn’t want to keep it in a car during the summer months.
To keep hand sanitizer at full strength, follow these tips:
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat.
Keep bottles tightly sealed to prevent alcohol from evaporating.
Rather than buying in bulk, purchase only what you and your family might use within a year or two.
To determine whether your hand sanitizer is still effective, check the expiration date on the label. This will give you an idea of how much longer the product will work at its full strength.
If the expiration date has passed, the hand sanitizer will probably still provide some level of protection, especially if it’s never been opened.
If the hand sanitizer still has a strong alcohol odor and evaporates quickly from your hands after you apply it, that’s a good indication that it’s still killing some germs.
However, it’s not a guarantee. The FDA doesn’t vouch for the effectiveness of a drug past its expiration date, and that includes hand sanitizers. To make sure you’re protected, replace any expired sanitizer with a new bottle.
While using expired hand sanitizer won’t harm you, it may not be very effective at killing germs. The primary risk is that using expired sanitizer may give you a false sense of protection and leave you more vulnerable to picking up germs.
Because alcohol-based hand sanitizer is flammable, it is considered household hazardous waste. Instead of pouring expired hand sanitizer down the drain or tossing it in your garbage bin, check your local regulations for safe disposal.
Hand sanitizer can lose its effectiveness over time, due to the evaporation of the alcohol in it and exposure to heat or sunlight.
To keep your hand sanitizer working at its best, store it in a cool, dry place, and make sure the cap is tightly sealed to prevent the alcohol from evaporating.
While expired hand sanitizer is unlikely to cause harm, it may not provide full protection — so, for optimal germ-killing power, it’s important to replace it once it’s past its expiration date.
