NEWS Health News FDA Warns Against 9 Potentially Toxic Hand Sanitizers By Anisa Arsenault Anisa Arsenault Anisa Arsenault is an editor at Verywell Health who works on condition-focused content and manages news. She previously managed news for TheBump.com. Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 01, 2020 Fact checked by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Share Tweet Email Print Marko Gerber / Verywell Key Takeaways After finding methanol in two hand sanitizer products, the FDA is warning against using nine types of hand sanitizer.Methanol is poisonous when absorbed through the skin.The warning is precautionary. No adverse events have been reported. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising people not to use any hand sanitizer produced by a company called Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico. In a warning issued on Friday, June 19, the FDA said the products may contain methanol, which is toxic when ingested or absorbed through the skin. Methanol, or wood alcohol, should not be present in hand sanitizer in any amount. While testing samples, the FDA found it in two Eskbiochem products; Lavar Gel contained 81% methanol and CleanCare No Germ contained 28% methanol. As a result, the FDA is urging Eskbiochem to recall all nine of its hand sanitizer products: All-Clean Hand SanitizerEsk Biochem Hand SanitizerCleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% AlcoholLavar 70 Gel Hand SanitizerThe Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand SanitizerCleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% AlcoholCleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% AlcoholCleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% AlcoholSaniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer According to the FDA, Eskbiochem has not yet responded. What Is Methanol? Methanol is a non-drinking type of alcohol used to create solvents, fuel, and antifreeze. While it is poisonous to humans, trace amounts are found in fruits and vegetables because of their metabolic processes. What Are the Symptoms of Methanol Poisoning? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin exposure to methanol can result in irritation. It can take anywhere from 1 to 72 hours for symptoms of methanol poisoning to present themselves. Highlighting children, specifically, who may accidentally consume these products, the FDA also warns against more serious side effects related to ingesting methanol. These side effects are also possible through substantial skin exposure: HeadacheDizzinessNauseaVomitingGastrointestinal issuesBlurred visionPartial or total vision lossNervous system damageSeizuresComaDeath The FDA has not received any reports of symptoms like these associated with hand sanitizer. The warning is precautionary. What Should You Do If You've Used These Products? If you have any of these hand sanitizers, stop using them immediately. Dispose of them in hazardous waste containers when possible. Safe Disposal of Medications You No Longer Use If you think you've been exposed to hand sanitizers with methanol, the FDA says you should seek immediate medical treatment. Skin exposure starts with thoroughly washing and rinsing the area with soap and water, being careful not to break the skin. But your doctor will tell you what to do next. How to Properly Use Hand Sanitizer 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Food and Drug Administration. FDA advises consumers not to use hand sanitizer products manufactured by Eskbiochem. Chemicalsafetyfacts.org. Methanol. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Methanol: Systemic agent. By Anisa Arsenault Anisa joined the company in 2018 after managing news surrounding fertility, pregnancy, and parenting for The Bump. Her health and wellness articles have appeared in outlets like Prevention and Metro US. At Verywell, she is responsible for the news program, which includes coverage of COVID-19. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit