Verifying…
Home / Medicines A–Z / Ethanol

Ethanol

• for hand sanitizing to decrease bacteria on skin when water and soap are not avaliable • recommended for repeated use.

Sold without prescription in some countries Topical Safety alerts on record

How to use Ethanol

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Who it is for

• for hand sanitizing to decrease bacteria on skin when water and soap are not avaliable • recommended for repeated use

How to take it and how often

• remove and unfold wipe •wet hands thoroughly with product and let air dry

Warnings

For external use only. Flammable keep away from fire or flame. When using this product do not use in or near eyes, if contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water. Stop use and contact a doctor if irritation or redness persists for more than 72 hours.

How to store it

Keep out of reach of children.

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2025-09-30.

Brands around the world

Products with Ethanol as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.

Registered products

United States (FDA)

Foaming Instant Hand Sanitizer With AloeALCOHOL 70 g/100g · Gel · MCKESSON MEDICAL-SURGICAL INC.
NDC 68599-5205Label
EthanolALCOHOL 95 L/100L · Liquid · Ce Acquisition Co LLC
NDC 83271-0001Label
EthanolALCOHOL 95 L/100L · Liquid · Ce Acquisition Co LLC
NDC 83271-0005Label
EthanolALCOHOL 95 L/100L · Liquid · Ce Acquisition Co LLC
NDC 83271-0002Label
EthanolALCOHOL 95 L/100L · Liquid · Ce Acquisition Co LLC
NDC 83271-0003Label

Nigeria (NAFDAC)

NAFDACGalways Hand Sanitizer 03-3096NAFDACEsoma Methylated Spirit A4-1800NAFDACGalways Methylated Spirit 04-9100NAFDACKlassic Methylated Spirit A11-1266NAFDACNabicon Methylated Spirit A11-100562NAFDACSkinserv Methylated Spirit A11-100582NAFDACHyenang Methylated Spirit BP A11-100435NAFDACMGZ Magzo Methylated Spirit_ A11-100983NAFDACRoberts Antiseptic Original_ A4-9097NAFDACRoberts Antiseptic Lime Fresh A4-9097NAFDACNino 70% Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol A11-0416NAFDACSmartans Instant Hand Sanitizer 03-3191

Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.

Safety alerts and recalls

Zep, Alcohol Sanitizer Spray, Ethanol 70%, Net Contents 55 Gallons 208 Liters, Made in USA, A Zep Inc. Brand, Distributed by: Zap Inc., 350 Joe Frank Harris Parkway, SE, Emerson, GU.S. FDA Class II
22 May 2026 · Zep Inc · OngoingMicrobial contamination of sterile products
Wyandotte, Sanifect E3, Hand Sanitizer (Ethanol-Based, Product 5511), Ethyl Alcohol 60.1%, Manufacture By: AFCO, 550 Development Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17210, Toll Free: 800-345-U.S. FDA Class II
29 Sep 2025 · Acuity Specialty Products, Inc. · OngoingcGMP deviations: The recall was initiated because required receipt testing of incoming alcohol components used to manufacture the listed hand sanitizers was not performed, so methanol risk could not be excluded.
PROBLEND Hand Sanitizer, Refreshing Gel Hand Sanitizer, Ethanol 70% v/v Antiseptic, mountain spring scent, 1250 mL cases, Seatex LLC, 445 TX Hwy 36 Rosenberg, YX 77471U.S. FDA Class II
19 Feb 2024 · Seatex LLC · TerminatedCGMP Deviations: deficiencies were identified during an FDA inspection of Seatex's manufacturing facility.
7 Eleven Hand Sanitizer Gel, Ethanol 70% v/v Antiseptic, Mountain Spring Scent, 1250 mL cases, Magnus 16005 Gateway Drive, Ste 300, Frisco, TX 75033U.S. FDA Class II
19 Feb 2024 · Seatex LLC · TerminatedCGMP Deviations: deficiencies were identified during an FDA inspection of Seatex's manufacturing facility.

A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.

Check your pack of Ethanol

Or take photos of the pack
3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · NAFDAC · WHO alerts

Questions about Ethanol

What is Ethanol used for?

• for hand sanitizing to decrease bacteria on skin when water and soap are not avaliable • recommended for repeated use (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Ethanol?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: • remove and unfold wipe •wet hands thoroughly with product and let air dry…

Do I need a prescription for Ethanol?

In many countries Ethanol is sold without a prescription in some strengths. Rules differ by country, so ask a pharmacist.

What brands contain Ethanol?

Ethanol is sold under names such as Avagard, Lavender Hand Sanitizer Wipes. Brand names differ between countries.

How can I check that my Ethanol is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.