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# Avoid Hand Sanitizers with Methanol: FDA
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/avoid-hand-sanitizers-with-methanol-fda/
- Published: 2020-07-06T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:20:01.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Devices, #legacy-id-D5147116

FDA has warned consumers and healthcare professionals about hand sanitizer products containing methanol. An agency [notice](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-takes-action-warn-protect-consumers-dangerous-alcohol-based-hand?utm%5Fcampaign=FDA%20Takes%20Action%20to%20Warn%2C%20Protect%20Consumers%20from%20Dangerous%20Alcohol-Based%20Hand%20Sanitizers&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=Eloqua) says that methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizer products and can be toxic when absorbed through the skin as well as life-threatening when ingested.

“The agency has seen an increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination,” the notice says. “State officials have also reported adverse events from adults and children ingesting hand sanitizer products contaminated with methanol. Including blindness, hospitalizations, and death.”

FDA says it maintains a list of specific products the public should not use and is communicating with manufacturers and distributors of the products about recalling them.