The lingering taste of hand sanitizer is a common experience after using these hygiene products. Understanding why this happens and what can be done about it can help manage this sensation.
How Hand Sanitizer Gets Into Your Mouth
Hand sanitizer typically enters the mouth through inadvertent transfer from the hands. This often occurs when touching the mouth, lips, or face before the product has fully dried or evaporated.
It can also transfer to food or drinks if hands are still damp when preparing or consuming items. Children are particularly susceptible to accidental ingestion, often putting hands in their mouths or being drawn to appealing scents or packaging.
What Causes the Distinct Taste
The characteristic taste of hand sanitizer comes from its main active ingredient: alcohol. Most sanitizers contain 60% to 95% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, both possessing a strong, bitter flavor.
Manufacturers also add chemicals known as denaturants to alcohol in hand sanitizers. These denaturants, which can include substances like denatonium, methanol, or acetone, are incorporated to make the product unpalatable and deter consumption. This contributes to the unpleasant, bitter taste. Some products also contain fragrances to mask the alcohol’s natural scent, which can sometimes contribute to the overall flavor.
Potential Health Concerns
For most individuals, a small, accidental lick or taste of hand sanitizer from the hands is unlikely to cause serious health issues. Minor effects might include a mild upset stomach or irritation in the mouth. However, it is important to distinguish between a residual taste and significant ingestion.
Ingesting larger quantities of hand sanitizer can lead to alcohol poisoning because of its high alcohol concentration, which can be comparable to strong alcoholic beverages. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
More severe cases can result in low blood sugar, seizures, coma, or respiratory depression. Young children are especially vulnerable to these effects due to their smaller body size and developing systems, making them more susceptible to complications like hypoglycemia. Additionally, some hand sanitizers have been found to be contaminated with methanol (wood alcohol), a highly toxic substance that can cause severe illness, blindness, or even death, even in small amounts. If a significant amount of hand sanitizer is ingested, particularly by a child, or if any concerning symptoms develop, contacting a poison control center or seeking immediate medical attention is advisable.
Stopping the Unpleasant Taste
Preventing the taste of hand sanitizer from entering the mouth involves a few simple steps. When applying hand sanitizer, use only the recommended amount, typically a dime-sized dollop, and ensure it is rubbed thoroughly over all surfaces of the hands. The most important step is to allow the product to evaporate completely from your hands before touching your face, mouth, or food. This usually takes around 20 seconds, and your hands should feel completely dry before proceeding.
Supervising young children when they use hand sanitizer is also important, and these products should always be stored out of their reach. If the unpleasant taste does occur, rinsing the mouth thoroughly with water can help to quickly remove the residual flavor. By following these guidelines, the risk of tasting hand sanitizer can be significantly reduced.