Dial · Hand Sanitizer
Dial Professional Gel Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
Lower PFAS concern; standard hand sanitizer gel with no identified risk vectors.
Dial Professional's gel hand sanitizer is a water-alcohol formulation without known PFAS-prone ingredients like water-resistance coatings or Teflon-family coating. The brand makes no PFAS claims.
Shop Dial on Amazon →Material
Aqueous gel (alcohol + water + gelling agents)
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 Professional Gel is an aqueous gel formulation combining ethyl alcohol (the active antimicrobial) with water and gelling agents to create a stable, spreadable product. The alcohol content typically ranges 60-70% by volume, which is effective for hand hygiene but requires proper ventilation in confined spaces. Gelling agents are usually carbomers or similar polymers that pose minimal toxicity risk at skin contact levels. The aqueous base means no volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing typical of solvent-based hand sanitizers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dial Corporation (owned by Henkel) has not made prominent public statements specifically about PFAS, formaldehyde releasers, or other emerging chemical concerns in hand sanitizers, though the company maintains general compliance certifications (FDA, EPA). Dial Professional products are widely used in healthcare and food service settings, suggesting regulatory acceptance. No major product recalls or safety controversies specific to this gel formulation have been established in public records. The brand's silence on chemical transparency is typical for mainstream hand sanitizer manufacturers.
How it compares in its category
Dial Professional Gel is a conventional alcohol-gel sanitizer comparable to Purell and other hospital-grade products; it sits in the middle of the market in terms of ingredient disclosure and chemical simplicity. Unlike foam or foam pump formats, gels are less prone to over-application and skin irritation from evaporation. Products marketed as 'fragrance-free' or 'hypoallergenic' may carry lower allergen risk, but this particular formulation includes fragrance, which can trigger contact sensitivity in susceptible users. Among gel sanitizers, it is neither a leader in clean ingredient sourcing nor a laggard.
If you buy it
Use the product as directed on the label: apply a dime-sized amount and rub until dry, typically 20-30 seconds. Avoid ingestion and contact with eyes; alcohol-based gels are not suitable for young children under age 6 without direct supervision. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and open flame, as ethanol is flammable. Replace the bottle if the gel becomes discolored, separated, or develops an unusual odor, which may indicate microbial contamination or degradation of the formulation.
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.”
Fragrance allergens and contact sensitization
Dial Professional Gel contains fragrance, which is a known trigger for allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Fragrance composition is proprietary, so specific sensitizing chemicals cannot be verified without manufacturer disclosure.
Ethanol toxicity if ingested
Hand sanitizers with high alcohol content are a documented poisoning risk, particularly for young children and pets if swallowed. Dial Professional Gel's typical 60-70% ethanol concentration poses this ingestion hazard; FDA warnings on alcohol-based sanitizers are well-established.
Skin irritation and drying from repeated use
Frequent application of alcohol-based gels can strip skin of natural oils and cause irritation, dryness, or dermatitis with heavy/daily use. This is a physical irritation risk rather than a chemical toxicity concern, but is relevant to prolonged occupational exposure.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservative systems
No public information confirms the presence of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) in Dial Professional Gel, but proprietary preservative systems are not always disclosed. Standard alcohol-based gels typically rely on alcohol itself as a preservative, reducing need for additional biocides.
Gelling agent skin reactivity
Carbomer and similar gelling polymers used in this product are generally recognized as safe for topical use, with no established reports of systemic toxicity or sensitization at typical concentrations in hand sanitizers.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.