PURELL Advanced Refreshing Gel Hand Sanitizer
Low concern; no known water-repellent coating treatment in hand sanitizer gel formulation.
This water-based gel lacks disclosed PFAS-containing ingredients or waterproofing treatments typical of high-risk products. Hand sanitizer gels require no durable water repellency or nonstick coatings.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous gel (alcohol, water, carbomer, glycerin, fragrance)
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.
Fragrance allergens
Purell Advanced Refreshing Gel includes fragrance blend. While fragrance at cosmetic-use levels is generally safe, individual sensitivity to fragrance chemicals (e.g., limonene, linalool, which are common in 'refreshing' scents) is documented. Fragrance-free versions are available if sensitivity is a concern.
Skin irritation from alcohol
Ethanol at 70% concentration is effective for antimicrobial action but can cause dryness or mild irritation with frequent, prolonged use, especially on compromised skin. This is a well-known cosmetic-use trade-off and is manageable through moisturizer use; it is not a toxicity hazard.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
1,4-dioxane (formulation contaminant risk)
1,4-dioxane can theoretically arise as a byproduct in cosmetic formulations containing ethoxylated surfactants. Purell Advanced does not list ethoxylated ingredients in disclosed formulations; no dioxane contamination has been documented for this product.
Microplastic or particulate contaminants
Purell Advanced Refreshing Gel does not contain plastic microbeads or intentional particulates. The formulation is a clear or translucent gel with no exfoliants.
Heavy metals
Standard Purell Advanced gels are clear or slightly tinted with approved colorants; no heavy-metal-bearing pigments (e.g., lead chromate, cadmium) are used. Color additives in FDA OTC drugs are regulated and tested.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Purell Advanced Refreshing Gel is a water-alcohol emulsion (typically 70% ethyl alcohol) stabilized with carbomer thickener, glycerin humectant, and fragrance. The alcohol acts as the active antimicrobial agent; carbomer and glycerin are inert thickeners and skin conditioning agents with no documented toxicity at cosmetic-use concentrations. No Teflon-type coating, heavy metals, or dioxane-forming ingredients are listed in the standard formulation. The gel format avoids volatile fume hazards associated with spray sanitizers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Purell (GOJO Industries) is the market leader in hand sanitizers and has maintained FDA OTC drug compliance status. The company publishes safety data sheets and ingredient lists publicly. No major recalls or documented formulation hazards have been associated with this product line. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or deliberate avoidance, which is typical of the hand-sanitizer category and reflects industry-wide silence rather than a red flag.
How it compares in its category
Purell Advanced is a mainstream, alcohol-based gel that sits at the center of the category safety profile. Alternatives include plant-based sanitizers (which lack robust antimicrobial data), quaternary ammonium compounds (which carry slightly higher skin irritation risk), and alcohol-free gels (which are less effective). Purell's 70% alcohol concentration meets CDC and FDA guidance. Fragrance-free variants exist if fragrance sensitivity is a concern.
If you buy it
Apply as directed on bottle (typically pea-sized amount to palms, rub until dry). Do not ingest or apply to eyes. In rare cases, frequent use may cause mild skin dryness; moisturizer use can offset this. Store away from heat and flame (alcohol is flammable). Expiration dates are printed on packaging and should be observed to ensure antimicrobial efficacy. No special disposal beyond standard household waste is required.
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.