Marigold · Hand Sanitizer
Marigold Gel 91% 500 ml
Lower PFAS concern; typical cosmetic gel with no known risk triggers, but brand provides no transparency.
Marigold Gel 91% is a standard cosmetic gel product with no publicly documented PFAS-using chemistry (no water-repellent, stain-resistant, or nonstick claims that would warrant PFAS). However, the brand makes no explicit disclosure about PFAS presence or absence, leaving some uncertainty.
Shop Marigold on Amazon →Material
gel base (likely carbomer, glycerin, water)
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
Marigold Gel 91% is a hydroalcoholic hand sanitizer with a gel matrix, likely built on carbomer thickener, glycerin humectant, and water as the primary base. The 91% refers to alcohol content (ethanol or isopropanol), which is the active antimicrobial agent; the gel structure slows evaporation and improves user compliance. No exotic solvents, colorants, or fragrance additives are typical in basic sanitizer formulas of this type, reducing chemical exposure during routine hand application.
The brand's record and disclosure
Marigold is a regional or value-tier consumer brand with no widely documented safety recalls, certifications, or public transparency statements on ingredient sourcing or chemical safety. The brand provides no visible stance on PFAS or other emerging contaminants, which is common for smaller manufacturers but reflects a lack of proactive disclosure. No major regulatory actions or third-party testing controversies are on record.
How it compares in its category
Hand sanitizer gels at the 91% alcohol tier are standard market offerings; Marigold sits in the mid-to-lower price segment with formulation chemistry typical of its class. Competitors with higher transparency (major brands like Purell) publish Material Safety Data Sheets and dermatological testing results more openly, but do not differ meaningfully in active ingredients or core safety profile. Higher-end or certified organic alternatives exist but command premium pricing for marginal safety gains.
If you buy it
Apply to clean, dry hands and rub until dry; do not rinse. Store upright at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight; ethanol content can degrade over time in high heat (above 40°C / 104°F) or if cap is left loose. Keep out of reach of children and avoid contact with eyes or broken skin. Replace if the gel separates, thickens unevenly, or dries out, which signals loss of alcohol efficacy.
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 volatility and CNS exposure (inhalation)
High alcohol content (91%) means significant ethanol vapors, especially in confined spaces or poor ventilation. Repeated inhalation in unventilated environments may cause dizziness or irritation; not a primary hazard for normal hand application but relevant in clinical or frequent-use settings.
Skin irritation from defatting and drying
Ethanol strips skin oils; glycerin inclusion mitigates but does not eliminate this effect. Users with eczema, psoriasis, or compromised barrier function may experience irritation, cracking, or contact dermatitis with repeated daily use without moisturizer follow-up.
Carbomer thickener hydration and mold risk (if contaminated water used)
No specific evidence Marigold uses contaminated feedstock, but carbomer-based gels depend on manufacturing water quality; microbiological contamination is a low but real risk in lower-cost production. Shelf-life testing data not publicly available.
Fragrance allergens (if present in formulation)
Product name and marketing suggest a scent additive; no ingredient list available to confirm. If fragrance is included, contact sensitization is possible in users with fragrance sensitivity or damaged skin.
Accidental ingestion by children (swallowing)
91% ethanol is toxic if swallowed; gel formulation and gel-like appearance may attract children or be confused with hand lotion. No child-resistant packaging is standard in this category; supervision and secure storage are critical.
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.