Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day · Hand Sanitizer
Mrs. Meyer's Hand Sanitizer
Lower PFAS concern, typical alcohol hand sanitizer with no known coating or treatment risks.
Mrs. Meyer's Hand Sanitizer is a simple alcohol-based gel formulation with no nonstick, water-repellent, or stain-resistant treatments that would require PFAS. Hand sanitizers in this category rarely need fluorochemical additives.
Shop Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day on Amazon →Material
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel (ethyl alcohol, water, glycerin)
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 Hand Sanitizer is an ethyl alcohol-based gel containing water, glycerin, and fragrance. Ethyl alcohol at sanitizing concentrations (typically 62-70%) is well-established as safe for skin contact and does not bioaccumulate or penetrate intact skin significantly. Glycerin is a humectant that reduces skin drying, a common complaint with alcohol sanitizers. The gel format and low viscosity mean minimal risk of residue buildup or occlusion on skin.
The brand's record and disclosure
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day is owned by SC Johnson and markets itself on plant-derived ingredients and transparent labeling. The brand does not appear to have faced major recalls or safety controversies related to hand sanitizer formulations. The company publishes ingredient lists but does not prominently disclose fragrance allergen specifics or heavy metal testing data for pigments (if any colorant is used). No public certifications (e.g., Ecocert, NSF) are claimed for the sanitizer line, though SC Johnson maintains general third-party audit compliance.
How it compares in its category
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers occupy a low-hazard category relative to antimicrobial soaps or alcohol-free alternatives. Mrs. Meyer's sits in the mainstream segment alongside brands like Purell and Softsoap; its main differentiator is fragrance and marketing positioning rather than safety profile. Triclosan-free formulation is standard across the category now. Compared to bar soaps, sanitizers carry no risk of formaldehyde releasers or heavy metal contamination in mineral-based bases.
If you buy it
Use as directed (usually a dime-sized amount, rub until dry). Alcohol sanitizers work best on visibly clean hands; wash with soap and water if hands are heavily soiled. Store away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent alcohol evaporation and maintain efficacy. Do not ingest or use on broken skin. The fragrance may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals; discontinue if rash or irritation develops. Product shelf life is typically 2-3 years; discard if separated or discolored.
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 sensitizers
Mrs. Meyer's emphasizes botanical fragrances but does not disclose individual fragrance components (protected as trade secret). Alcohol can enhance skin penetration of fragrance allergens. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or contact dermatitis should patch test or choose unscented alternatives.
Skin irritation and drying from ethanol
Ethyl alcohol at 62-70% concentration denatures skin lipids and can cause dryness, erythema, or irritation with frequent or prolonged use. Glycerin partially mitigates this, but sensitive or compromised skin may react. This is a use-related hazard rather than a formulation toxicity issue.
Accidental ingestion risk (children)
Hand sanitizer gels are attractive to young children and may be accidentally ingested. Even small amounts of ethanol-based sanitizer can cause hypoglycemia, CNS depression, or metabolic acidosis in infants and toddlers. Keep out of reach of children under supervision.
Heavy metals or contaminants in colorants
No public record of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metal contamination in Mrs. Meyer's sanitizer products. The brand does not appear to have color pigments that would typically introduce metals; however, no independent third-party metal testing is publicly documented.
Bacterial or fungal growth if contaminated
Alcohol-based sanitizers are not sterile and do not remain antimicrobial if diluted by water or contaminated during use. If the bottle opening is exposed to moisture or touched with soiled hands, microbial growth in the gel is possible over time. This is a storage and handling issue, not a product defect.
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.