Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day · Hand Sanitizer
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lavender Scent Hand Sanitizer 2 oz.
Lower PFAS concern for a simple hand sanitizer, but brand discloses nothing, typical for this category.
Mrs. Meyer's hand sanitizer is a water-and-alcohol-based cosmetic with no obvious triggers for PFAS use (no water-repellent coating, nonstick, or stain-resistant function needed). The brand makes no PFAS claims either way.
Shop Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day on Amazon →Material
water-based alcohol sanitizer (hand sanitizer gel/liquid)
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
Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Hand Sanitizer is a water-based gel containing ethyl or isopropyl alcohol as the active antimicrobial agent, typically 60-70% ABV to meet FDA effectiveness standards. The formulation includes water, glycerin (humectant), and lavender fragrance oils, which are gentler on skin than triclosan or quaternary ammonium alternatives. No Teflon-type coating, heavy metals, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are expected in a standard alcohol-based hand sanitizer of this type. The main chemistry risk is skin irritation from alcohol and fragrance, not systemic toxicity.
The brand's record and disclosure
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day is owned by SC Johnson and positions itself as a plant-derived, safer-chemistry brand, though it does not publish third-party certifications (like EPA Safer Choice) for this hand sanitizer. The company has faced no major recalls or safety violations for this product line in FDA or public health records. Brand transparency on ingredient sourcing and fragrance allergen disclosure is below industry leaders but above minimal; fragrance is listed but specific components are not itemized on labels. No independent testing scandals specific to hand sanitizers have been documented.
How it compares in its category
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers dominate consumer safety profiles because alcohol is rapid-acting and has no known bioaccumulation risk. Mrs. Meyer's Lavender compares favorably to gel-based competitors (e.g., Purell, Germ-X) in that it avoids triclosan and carbolic acid, which carry higher skin irritation and endocrine concern potential. Hand sanitizers as a category have lower systemic toxicity risk than leave-on products (lotions, creams) because contact time is brief and absorption is minimal. Gel format reduces inhalation risk versus pump sprays or aerosols.
If you buy it
Use as directed: 2-3 mL (roughly a dime-sized amount) on hands, rub for 20+ seconds until dry. Avoid contact with eyes and open cuts; if ingested by children, call poison control immediately (alcohol is toxic in concentrated doses). Store below 77 degrees F to prevent formula separation; do not leave in direct sunlight or hot vehicles. Hand sanitizers work best on visibly clean hands; wash with soap and water if hands are dirty or greasy, as sanitizers are less effective on soiled skin.
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 sensitization
Lavender essential oil and synthetic fragrance compounds can trigger allergic contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitization with repeated or prolonged exposure, especially in individuals with fragrance sensitivity. This risk is individual and not universal.
Skin irritation and drying
Ethanol-based formulas are known to strip skin oils and cause irritation, dryness, or stinging in frequent users or those with sensitive skin. Glycerin in this product mitigates this partially but does not eliminate it.
Accidental ingestion toxicity (children)
Hand sanitizers contain 60-70% alcohol; ingestion can cause poisoning, low blood sugar, seizures, and organ damage in young children. Risk is highest if the 2 oz bottle is left accessible; small volume increases likelihood of full or near-full ingestion.
Bacterial resistance and reduced efficacy over time
Repeated use of alcohol-based sanitizers does not drive resistance in bacteria in the way that antibacterial soaps do, but inconsistent application (e.g., not rubbing for full 20 seconds) reduces efficacy per use.
Undisclosed fragrance components
Mrs. Meyer's does not itemize fragrance ingredients on its label, leaving specific allergens (e.g., limonene, linalool in lavender) opaque. This is standard industry practice but poses risk for sensitive consumers.
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.