What substance is commonly used in hand sanitizers to kill germs?

Alcohol is the substance commonly used in hand sanitizers to kill germs. In most hand sanitizers, either ethanol or isopropyl alcohol serves as the active ingredient that effectively disrupts the cell membranes of bacteria and viruses, rendering them inactive. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers typically contain a concentration of 60% to 95% alcohol, which allows them to quickly eliminate a broad spectrum of pathogens.

In contrast, water does not possess antimicrobial properties and is ineffective on its own for killing germs. Aloe vera is often included in sanitizers for its moisturizing properties but does not contribute to germicidal action. Soap functions by allowing particles, including germs, to be removed from the skin when washing hands, but it is not primarily used in sanitizers, which rely on alcohol for disinfection without the need for water.