EU Considers Ban on Ethanol in Hand Sanitisers Over Cancer Risk

The European Union is reviewing the safety of ethanol, a common ingredient in hand sanitisers, amid concerns over its potential cancer risk. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has flagged ethanol as potentially toxic, suggesting it could increase the risk of cancer and pregnancy complications, prompting discussions about replacing it in cleaning and hygiene products. This move comes as EU regulators aim to strengthen consumer safety and limit exposure to potentially harmful substances. The debate over ethanol in hand sanitisers has quickly drawn international attention.

According to an internal recommendation dated October 10, 2025, ethanol may pose risks that justify a substitution in biocidal and hygiene products. The ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee is scheduled to meet between November 25 and November 28 to assess the findings. If ethanol is officially classified as carcinogenic, the European Commission may recommend replacing ethanol in hand sanitisers with safer alternatives. The agency clarified, however, that ethanol could still be approved if exposure levels are considered safe or no viable alternatives exist.

Despite EU concerns, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to classify ethanol and isopropanol as safe for hand hygiene. WHO guidance emphasizes that ethanol-based hand sanitisers remain effective and safe when used appropriately, highlighting the global reliance on ethanol in infection control and personal hygiene. The ongoing debate over ethanol in hand sanitisers underscores the tension between regulatory caution and established international health standards.

Experts warn that a ban on ethanol could have wide-reaching consequences for the hand hygiene industry, affecting hospitals, households, and businesses that rely on ethanol-based products. Substituting ethanol could require reformulating hand sanitisers with isopropanol or other agents, potentially increasing costs and creating supply challenges. Meanwhile, public health authorities urge consumers not to panic, noting that ethanol has long been a cornerstone of effective hand hygiene.

The discussion around ethanol in hand sanitisers highlights a global challenge in balancing safety and public health needs. As the EU evaluates whether ethanol increases cancer risk, the decision could influence worldwide standards for hand hygiene products. For now, consumers and healthcare providers are watching closely, as the outcome will shape both regulatory policies and everyday practices in infection prevention.