Alcohol based hand sanitisers contain either isopropanol, ethanol, n-propanol, or a combination of two of these products. 

Certain hand-sanitiser combinations may also contain limited amounts of hexachlorophene, quaternary ammonium compounds, povidone-iodine, triclosan, or chlorhexidine gluconate.

The efficacy of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is based on its anti-microbial activity and their ability to denature proteins.

Alcohol content of solutions and hand sanitizers expressed as a percentage by weight (w/w) is not affected by temperature or other variables. However, alcohol content expressed as a percentage by volume (vol/vol) may get affected by temperature or other variables like specific gravity and reaction concentration.

To give an example, 70% alcohol by weight is equivalent to 76.8% by volume if prepared at 15 degrees celsius , while it is 80.5% if prepared at 25 degrees celsius.

Disclaimer: Issued in public interest by Axio Biosolutions Private Limited. Kindly check the official guidance on WHO for more information on infection prevention and control of covid-19.

source : cdc.gov