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
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed 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
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
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 ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
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.
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 is broadly considered safer than some antimicrobial alternatives due to long use history and lack of bioaccumulation risk.
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 we don’t know
- 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.
Safer alternatives in Hand Sanitizer
Seventh Generation
Hand Wash Natural Seventh Generation
water-based surfactants, plant-derived ingredients
Fragrance allergens
Limited concern
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Preferred option; MADE SAFE certification and plant-based formula substantially reduce PFAS risk.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Seventh Generation
Hydrating Antibacterial Hand Mist
Water-based cosmetic spray (alcohol, water, plant extracts, preservatives)
Preservative system irritation (contact allergens)
Limited concern
Plant extract allergenicity and contamination
Limited concern
Fragrance constituent allergens
Limited concern
Spray inhalation of alcohol vapors
Limited concern
Preferred option; hand mist format and brand certification reduce PFAS risk, though no dedicated lab testing published.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
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.