What is rubbing alcohol?
SALES of hand sanitiser have skyrocketed in 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But what do we know about the main ingredient - rubbing alcohol - and what else can it be used for?
What is rubbing alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol is a very powerful disinfectant, made up of either isopropyl alcohol, or an ethanol-based liquid.
Rubbing alcohol is a good natural killer of bacteria, due to its strong alcohol or ethanol content.
It comes in different strengths, but most commonly either 70, 90, or 99 per cent.
Rubbing alcohol can be used in the household in common cleaning products, including Dettol.
It is also frequently used in the cosmetics world as an antiseptic, including in aftershave lotions and hand lotions.
What is the UK equivalent of rubbing alcohol?
In the UK, rubbing alcohol is typically known as surgical spirit.
It goes by a few different labels – you might see product labels referring to it as rubbing alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing IPA disinfectant.
However, regardless of what is on the label, they all essentially do the same thing.
What can be used as a substitute for rubbing alcohol?
There are a number of substitutes you can use for rubbing alcohol, which will vary depending on the purpose for which you are using it.
The classic soap and water combo, as well as vinegar, are among the best substitutes for rubbing alcohol when it comes to both cleaning household surfaces, and also disinfecting your skin.
Vinegar is a proven remedy for reducing dryness and itching caused by eczema, as well as cleaning out infected ears.
Witch Hazel, which is produced naturally from a tree, is also a good substitute for rubbing alcohol when it comes to disinfecting the skin.
Witch Hazel is both anti-inflammatory and anti-viral, and can help to prevent or heal infections, and reduce swelling or pain.
Common household bleach is the best substitute surface sanitiser when it comes to surface-cleaning disinfectants.
But hydrogen peroxide is also an effective substitute, and an easy to come by household chemical.
Is rubbing alcohol the same as hand sanitiser?
Hand sanitiser is primarily made up of rubbing alcohol, but with some added, inactive ingredients, that change the consistency from a thin liquid into more of a gel.
Hand sanitiser typically contains rubbing alcohol and a gel-like ingredient like glycerin or aloe vera.
The thicker consistency of the hand sanitiser compared to rubbing alcohol means that it is more likely to stay on your hands for longer, compared to the runnier, liquid-y rubbing alcohol.
This means that hand sanitiser is given more time on your skin to do a sufficient job of disinfecting it.
If you are going to use rubbing alcohol instead of hand sanitiser, the recommended strength to go for in order for it to be most effective is 70 per cent alcohol content.
What is rubbing alcohol good for?
Rubbing alcohol has a wide variety of uses, both in household cleaning and for cosmetic purposes.
Most commonly, it is used to disinfect household surfaces or items including sponges, dish cloths, and gardening tools.
It will also leave electronic devices, or your glasses, looking as good as new.
Rubbing alcohol is also a great substitute for nail varnish remover.
It can even be sprayed in place of deodorant – although it is likely to sting if used just after shaving.
In medical practices, rubbing alcohol is used as a disinfectant to sterilise cuts and clean germs away.
It can also kill fungus and viruses – but the rubbing alcohol should be of at least 50 per cent strength in order to be effective.
When to avoid using rubbing alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol should never be drunk, as this can cause alcohol poisoning and serious illness.
Symptoms to look out for if an adult or child has swallowed rubbing alcohol include vomiting, diarrhoea, slurred speech, unsteadiness while walking, stomach pains, shock, or sedation.
Rubbing alcohol should also not be used as a way to treat acne, eczema, or irritated skin.
This is because it dries out the skin and can therefore make these conditions appear worse.
Similarly, it should not be used as a treatment for lice, as it will dry out the scalp.
And people should also not bathe in rubbing alcohol, as this can lead to the skin absorbing the alcohol – which can also lead to alcohol poisoning.
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Where do I buy rubbing alcohol in the UK?
You can buy rubbing alcohol in most major pharmacies and supermarkets, including Boots and Superdrug.
A 500ml bottle of Boots’ own-brand rubbing alcohol, or surgical spirit, will .
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Superdrug stocks the disinfectant liquid in 200ml bottles, .
You can also buy larger bottles of rubbing alcohol from Amazon or eBay, with a five-litre bottle of 70 per cent pure rubbing alcohol on Amazon.