Hand sanitizer reduces microbes when soap and water are unavailable. This product typically comes in a liquid, gel, or foam and uses a strong antiseptic agent to destroy viruses and bacteria. Recently, a variation incorporating hemp extracts has become popular, leading to the creation of hemp hand sanitizer.
Core Ingredients and Sanitizing Function
The efficacy of hand sanitizer depends entirely on its active ingredient. For most effective products, this component is alcohol, usually ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). These alcohols work by denaturing proteins and dissolving the outer membranes of bacteria and viruses, destroying the microbe.
To be effective, a hand sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol by volume, with 60% to 95% being the most effective range. This high alcohol percentage is the sole mechanism for killing pathogens; hemp components do not contribute to the sanitizing action. Non-alcohol sanitizers, such as those using benzalkonium chloride, are generally less effective against a broad range of microbes.
The Unique Contribution of Hemp
The purpose of incorporating hemp derivatives into hand sanitizer is not to increase its germ-killing power, but rather to mitigate an undesirable side effect of the alcohol. Alcohol is a desiccant, meaning its frequent use strips the skin of its natural moisture and can lead to significant dryness or irritation. Hemp components are added as an emollient to counteract this drying effect.
The most common hemp derivative used is hemp seed oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. This oil is rich in natural moisturizers and contains skin-nourishing compounds, including omega fatty acids and vitamins A and E. The oil’s composition helps replenish the moisture lost due to the high alcohol content, supporting the skin’s barrier function.
Hemp seed oil contains negligible, if any, psychoactive cannabinoids like THC or CBD. The primary function of this addition is purely cosmetic and dermatological, focusing on skin health. The oil blends with the other inactive ingredients, such as thickeners or stabilizers, to create a product that is less harsh on the hands during repeated use.
How to Choose and Apply Effectively
When selecting a hemp hand sanitizer, the first priority is confirming the product’s sanitizing capability. Consumers should check the label to ensure the active ingredient is either ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol and that its concentration is clearly listed at 60% or higher. If the label does not specify the alcohol percentage, or if it is labeled as “alcohol-free,” the product may not offer reliable protection.
To maximize the benefit of the moisturizing hemp component, consumers should look for specific ingredients such as “Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil” listed among the inactive ingredients. Proper application is just as important as the product choice. Apply an adequate amount of sanitizer, roughly a dime-sized dollop, to the palm. Rub the hands together thoroughly, covering all surfaces, including the back of the hands and between the fingers, until the liquid completely dries. This process should take approximately 20 seconds, and the sanitizer should not be wiped off before it has fully evaporated.