Burt's Bees · Hand Sanitizer
Hand Sanitizer Spray - Grapefruit 17.5 oz
Lower concern, no known PFAS application in hand sanitizer formulations, but brand makes no explicit claim.
Burt's Bees hand sanitizer is a simple ethanol-based spray with no known water-repellent coating, grease-resist, or nonstick coating that would trigger PFAS use. The product category itself does not typically employ PFAS. The brand does not disclose PFAS testing or make a free claim, which is typical for this category and not a red flag.
Shop Burt's Bees on Amazon →Material
Ethanol-based liquid spray; no Teflon-family coating or water-resistance treatment typical
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This product is an ethanol-based liquid hand sanitizer, the most common and well-understood antimicrobial formulation for topical use. Ethanol at typical concentrations (60-80% by volume) denatures bacterial and viral proteins and is FDA-approved as a healthcare antiseptic. The grapefruit fragrance and botanical additives are secondary to efficacy and carry minimal systemic toxicity risk at use rates; they are not skin penetration enhancers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Burt's Bees publishes full ingredient lists and holds no major FDA warning letters or recalls specific to hand sanitizers on public record. The brand markets itself on natural sourcing and transparency; however, no explicit third-party certification (e.g., EWG, MADE SAFE) covers this specific product. No controversy regarding misleading antimicrobial claims or contamination has been documented for this line.
How it compares in its category
Ethanol-based sprays are the safest and most effective hand sanitizers available; they do not carry the dermal irritation profile of some quaternary ammonium compounds or triclosan products. Burt's Bees formula is comparable to unscented clinical-grade alternatives but positions at mid-premium pricing. The spray form is more convenient than gel but carries slightly higher inhalation exposure risk if sprayed near the face; this is a usage issue, not a formulation defect.
If you buy it
Use as directed: apply to hands and rub until dry. Avoid spraying directly into eyes or mucous membranes. Store below 77°F (25°C) to prevent ethanol evaporation and preserve efficacy; direct sunlight degrades botanical additives over time. Replace if the product becomes noticeably discolored, cloudy, or does not dry within 20 seconds (sign of ethanol loss). Spray form is not suitable for use on wounds or broken skin; switch to a liquid gel in those cases.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Ethanol inhalation (spray form)
Spray application creates fine droplets and vapor that can be inhaled, especially if applied near the nose or face. For most users this is not hazardous at typical exposure doses, but people with asthma, airway sensitivity, or in poorly ventilated spaces may experience mild throat irritation or coughing.
Fragrance allergens (grapefruit/botanical)
Citral (a component of grapefruit fragrance) and other botanical extracts are known contact allergens for a small percentage of the population. Risk is low for general use but individuals with sensitive skin, citrus allergies, or prior fragrance reactions should perform a patch test first.
Skin dryness and irritation (chronic use)
Ethanol is a drying agent; frequent hand sanitizer use without moisturizer can cause dermatitis, cracking, and barrier damage over months. This is not a formulation defect but a consequence of high-frequency antimicrobial exposure; mitigation is hand cream application.
Accidental ingestion (especially in children)
Hand sanitizers are toxic if swallowed, particularly for young children. The spray bottle and pleasant grapefruit scent create mild aspiration risk in households with toddlers; keep out of reach and consider gel formulations for homes with children under 6.
Heavy metals in botanical additives
No recalls or documented contamination of Burt's Bees hand sanitizers with lead, cadmium, or arsenic have been reported. The brand does not publish heavy metal test reports for this product, but the risk is consistent with industry norms for topical hand care.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Hand Sanitizer
Seventh Generation
Hand Wash Natural Seventh Generation
water-based surfactants, plant-derived ingredients
Lower-concern choice; MADE SAFE certification and plant-based formula reduce PFAS risk significantly.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Seventh Generation
Hydrating Antibacterial Hand Mist
Water-based cosmetic spray (alcohol, water, plant extracts, preservatives)
Lower-concern choice; hand mist format and brand transparency reduce PFAS risk, though no dedicated lab testing published.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Honest Company
The Honest Company SANI SPRAY-2OZ-GRAPEFRUIT
Water-based formula (spray disinfectant)
Lower-concern buy; transparent brand with third-party backing on PFAS.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More hand sanitizer grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.