Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel
Low concern for typical hand sanitizer formulation; no known high-risk materials identified.
This hydroalcoholic gel contains no reported PFAS-prone coatings, waterproofing agents, or grease-resistant treatments. The brand makes no PFAS claims or disclosures, and no public lab data exists.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
ethyl alcohol gel with humectants (aloe, glycerin)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Purell Advanced Hand Refreshing Gel is made of, ingredients and materials
Purell Advanced is an ethyl alcohol gel (typically 70% ABV) with humectants (aloe vera, glycerin, vitamin E) added to reduce skin drying. Ethanol is a volatile, low-toxicity active ingredient with a well-established antimicrobial mechanism and rapid evaporation profile. The gel matrix and humectants are standard cosmetic-grade compounds with minimal systemic absorption through intact skin during normal hand sanitizer use.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Ethanol skin irritation or sensitization
Ethanol at 70% concentration is drying and may trigger irritation in individuals with eczema, compromised skin barriers, or frequent daily use. Humectants (glycerin, aloe) are included to mitigate this, but not all users experience equal tolerance.
Fragrance allergens
Purell Advanced Refreshing Gel includes fragrance compounds (typically citrus or floral masking agents). Individual sensitization to fragrance is well-documented; fragrance-free alternatives exist if contact dermatitis is a concern.
Ingestion risk in children
Hand sanitizer ingestion by young children can cause ethanol toxicity. Purell has issued no special child-safety packaging, though label warnings are standard. Storage out of reach is the responsibility of the user.
Eye contact irritation
Direct ethanol contact with eyes causes acute irritation and tearing. This is a use-error hazard rather than a formulation flaw; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Microplastics
No evidence of microplastic contamination or intentional polymeric fillers in Purell Advanced gel. Gel matrix is typically carbomer or cellulose-based thickeners without microplastic content.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Purell (maker GOJO Industries) has no major product safety recalls related to hand sanitizer toxicity in the US market. The brand maintains FDA OTC drug listing compliance for active ingredient efficacy. Public disclosure on fragrance allergens and full ingredient lists is standard; however, GOJO has not published transparent PFAS testing or commitment statements, leaving water-repellency chemistry unclear.
How it compares in its category
Purell Advanced is a category leader and mid-range option; alternatives include plain 70% ethanol (lower cost, no humectants), premium brands with certified organic or plant-derived actives, and alcohol-free options (triclosan, benzalkonium chloride). The ethanol-based model has a longer use history and lower bioaccumulation concern compared to some antimicrobial alternatives.
If you buy it
Use as labeled, apply to hands, rub until dry. Avoid contact with eyes; ethanol will cause mild irritation. Do not ingest, especially for children or those with alcohol sensitivities. Store at room temperature away from heat or ignition sources (ethanol is flammable). Replace if separated, discolored, or if tube/bottle integrity is compromised. Normal use poses no special hazards beyond skin dryness in frequent users; moisturizer after use is adequate mitigation.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Purell has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More hand sanitizer grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.