Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day · Hand Sanitizer
Mrs. Meyer's Hand Sanitizer Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Basil Liquid 2 oz - pack of 12 11152-XCP12
Lower PFAS concern for a simple alcohol-based liquid sanitizer, but no transparency from brand.
Mrs. Meyer's hand sanitizer is a water-based liquid formula without known PFAS applications (no water-repellent coating, nonstick, or grease-resistant treatment needed). Hand sanitizers rarely contain intentional PFAS, though some preservatives warrant scrutiny. Mrs.
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Aqueous liquid hand sanitizer (alcohol-based)
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 aqueous alcohol-based formulation, typically containing 60-70% ethyl alcohol as the active antimicrobial agent, combined with water, glycerin, and plant-derived fragrance (basil in this variant). The alcohol concentration meets FDA minimum standards for effective kill-time against common pathogens without requiring heating or special storage. The primary risk profile for alcohol-based liquid sanitizers is limited compared to foaming or gel versions, since there are no emulsifiers, thickeners, or synthetic polymers that degrade over time or leach into skin.
The brand's record and disclosure
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day is owned by SC Johnson and maintains a publicly available ingredient list on product labeling and their website, which is standard industry practice. The brand does not market itself as hypoallergenic or dermatologically tested, and no major recalls or regulatory warnings have been issued for this hand sanitizer line as of available records. The brand has not published a formal PFAS elimination statement, which is notable given that some personal care manufacturers have begun disclosing this proactively; however, the absence of fluorinated compounds in the known formulation suggests minimal PFAS risk from the product itself.
How it compares in its category
Alcohol-based liquid sanitizers like this one occupy the middle ground between gel sanitizers (which often contain carbomers and synthetic polymers) and foam sanitizers (which may include more additives). This product sits in the mainstream safety tier for hand sanitizers: it lacks the antimicrobial coatings or sustained-release additives that introduce leaching concerns, and the basil fragrance is a botanical extract rather than a synthetic fragrance concentrate. It is comparable in safety profile to other major-brand alcohol-based liquids (Purell, Dial) with no distinguishing hazard advantage or disadvantage.
If you buy it
Store at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight, as alcohol will evaporate and concentrate; keep caps tightly sealed. Use as directed (typically a dime-sized amount, rubbed for 20 seconds) and allow to air dry rather than wiping off immediately, to maximize antimicrobial contact time. The 2 oz bottles are meant for single-use or purse carry; do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the pack, as alcohol concentration may degrade. For frequent users (healthcare workers, parents), monitor hands for dryness or irritation; alternate with water and soap washing or use a moisturizer afterward if skin becomes compromised.
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 allergen sensitization (basil botanical extract)
Botanical fragrance components, including basil-derived compounds, can trigger contact dermatitis or respiratory irritation in individuals with fragrance sensitivity or atopic skin. This is a known risk class for fragranced personal care products but occurs at low incidence in the general population.
Alcohol skin irritation with repeated use
High-concentration ethyl alcohol (60-70%) is irritating with cumulative exposure, particularly on damaged or sensitive skin. Users with atopic dermatitis, eczema, or compromised barrier function may experience drying, redness, or stinging; this is an inherent property of alcohol-based sanitizers, not a formulation defect.
1,4-dioxane contamination (fragrance carry-over)
1,4-dioxane is a known contaminant in some botanical extracts used as fragrance sources. No public testing or recalls have documented this in Mrs. Meyer's products, and the concentration would be minimal if present at all in a rinse-off application like hand sanitizer.
Methanol misuse risk (accidental ingestion)
Hand sanitizers are not intended for ingestion; accidental or intentional ingestion can cause serious harm. This is a misuse hazard rather than a product defect, but the 2 oz pack size and fruity/herbal scent profile can pose risk in households with young children or in settings where sanitizers are stored near beverages.
Evaporative loss and concentration in sealed containers
If bottles are not stored with caps tightly sealed, alcohol will evaporate faster than water, raising the concentration of other ingredients (glycerin, fragrance) and potentially reducing efficacy. Prolonged storage (over 2-3 years) may result in reduced antimicrobial activity.
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.