Dial · Hand Sanitizer
Dial Eco-Smart Gel Hand Sanitizer Refill
Lower concern, gel hand sanitizer has minimal PFAS risk, but Dial offers no transparency.
Dial Eco-Smart is an aqueous gel sanitizer with no known PFAS-prone ingredients (nonstick coatings, Teflon-family coating, or durable water repellency treatments are not used in hand sanitizers). The brand makes no PFAS claims or third-party certifications, but absence of a claim reflects typical industry silence rather than hidden risk.
Shop Dial on Amazon →Material
Gel hand sanitizer (alcohol-based, aqueous formulation)
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
Dial Eco-Smart Gel is an aqueous alcohol-based hand sanitizer, typically formulated with ethanol or isopropanol as the active antimicrobial agent, plus humectants (likely glycerin or aloe), thickeners, and water. Gel hand sanitizers are inherently lower-risk than foams or aerosol sprays because they avoid inhalation exposure and contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that off-gas into indoor air. The refill format eliminates packaging waste and reduces exposure to any potential leachables from plastic containers on repeated use cycles.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dial is owned by Henkel and has a long history of mainstream consumer safety compliance with FDA guidelines for over-the-counter hand sanitizers. The brand publishes safety data sheets and complies with antimicrobial product regulations. However, Dial does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing, formulation changes, or third-party testing results; the company maintains a silent stance on PFAS use or avoidance in their product line. No significant recalls or regulatory actions specific to Dial hand sanitizers have been documented in recent years.
How it compares in its category
Dial Eco-Smart Gel sits in the middle of the mass-market hand sanitizer segment. It is comparable to Purell and Soft Soap in terms of active-ingredient concentration and formulation type, but lacks the transparency of premium brands like EO or Seventh Generation that disclose allergen-free or non-GMO claims. The 'Eco-Smart' branding suggests environmental positioning, though this is not certified by third parties like EPA or NSF. As a refill product, it generates less single-use waste than disposable bottles.
If you buy it
Store the refill container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve alcohol content and prevent degradation of the gel consistency. Use within the manufacturer's recommended timeframe (typically 2-3 years from production) because alcohol can evaporate over time, reducing sanitizing efficacy. Wash hands visibly soiled with dirt or organic matter before using hand sanitizer, as gels work best on clean skin. Keep away from open flames or heat sources, as the alcohol content is flammable.
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.”
Skin irritation and contact dermatitis
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause dryness, redness, or irritation with frequent use, especially in people with sensitive skin or compromised barriers. Dial Eco-Smart includes glycerin or aloe to mitigate this, but individual reactions vary; no brand-specific adverse event reports are on public record.
Accidental ingestion or eye exposure
Hand sanitizers containing ethanol or isopropanol are toxic if ingested, particularly by children. Dial products carry standard warning labels, but gel formulations are less likely to be inhaled than foams; eye exposure can cause irritation but is usually reversible with water rinse.
Fragrance allergens
Dial Eco-Smart typically includes fragrance compounds to impart a scent. While not documented as a frequent allergen source, fragrance can trigger contact sensitization or respiratory discomfort in people with multiple chemical sensitivities; Dial does not disclose specific fragrance ingredients.
Microorganism growth if contaminated
Gel hand sanitizers are formulated to resist bacterial colonization, but if a refill container is refilled without proper cleaning or stored in humid conditions, water-borne pathogens could theoretically proliferate. This is a user-handling risk, not a product defect.
Heavy metals in colorants or additives
No recalls or testing data indicate the presence of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Dial hand sanitizers. Gel formulations do not use ceramic glazes or metal-contact surfaces that would pose leaching risk.
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.