What is considered a hand antiseptic?

A hand antiseptic is defined as a solution that contains FDA-approved drugs or antimicrobial ingredients and is specifically designed for use on hands after proper handwashing. The purpose of a hand antiseptic is to further reduce the number of germs left on the skin after washing. This is especially important in settings where hygiene is critical, such as healthcare environments or food service, where the risk of cross-contamination is high.

The formulation of hand antiseptics generally includes alcohol or other antimicrobial agents that are effective at killing bacteria and viruses on contact. Using such a product after washing hands ensures a higher level of sanitation, providing an additional layer of protection against pathogens.

While antibacterial soaps are essential for the initial removal of dirt and germs during handwashing, they are not classified as hand antiseptics. Similarly, lotions used to moisturize hands can be essential for skin health but do not have antimicrobial properties and are unrelated to the hand sanitation process. Furthermore, while alcohol is indeed used for disinfecting surfaces, its classification and application differ from that of hand antiseptics, which are intended for skin use, not for hard surfaces.