Recalled Hand Sanitiser (Benzene & Methanol)

Gel sanitisers from unverified manufacturers.

54Moderate burden · out of 100

Cleaner swapSoap and water where available; check recall lists for your brand

How this score is built

100Start
72.4Chemical hazard 6 × 4.6−27.6
58.8Everyday exposure 4 × 3.4−13.6
54Persistence 2 × 2.6−5.2, then rounded to 54
ModerateThe band54 sits in 40–59.

What each input rests on

The three ratings behind the score, and the studies each rests on
Input	Rating	Evidence
Chemical hazard	6/10	Methanol found undeclared in hand rubs causes severe systemic toxicity and death when swallowed, and repeated skin use can cause chronic toxicity such as visual disturbances. Methanol as an Unlisted Ingredient in Supposedly Alcohol-Based Hand Rub Can Pose Serious Health Risk · Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018 DOI 10.3390/ijerph15071440 · PMID 29987197 · Abstract · read 2026-10-16
Everyday exposure	4/10	unsourced input
Persistence	2/10	unsourced input

Ratings are editorial. A study listed here supports the rating; it did not compute it. How the index is built

What this means for you

The chemical-hazard rating is what drives the score down. Regulators issued extensive recalls after testing found methanol substituted for ethanol in some sanitisers, and independent laboratory testing later flagged benzene contamination in specific batches. Washing with soap and water avoids the supply-chain question altogether.

Evidence strength: strong

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Lower-exposure choices

Fragrance-Free Basic SkincareMinimal · Personal Care

All 33 personal care entries, highest burden first →