Yes, hand sanitizer expires. The alcohol in it can slowly evaporate, and once it falls below the amount on the label the bottle no longer does the job it was bought for. This guide covers how long it lasts, what to do with an old bottle and how to check a new one.
We sell Assassin Hand Sanitizer, so read this with that in mind. Where we have a source, we link it. Where we are giving practical advice instead, we say so.
Hand sanitizer does expire. A GOJO regulatory manager writes that the date marks the end of shelf life, meaning how long it keeps its strength, quality and purity under the labelled storage conditions.
GOJO says expiry is typically 3 to 5 years after the manufacture date, and that its own PURELL sanitizer is usually labelled 3 years. Treat it as a manufacturer's guide, not a rule.
Health Canada recommends an authorized sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, with an eight-digit DIN or NPN on the label. A bottle with no expiry date and no lot code should not be used.
Sanitizer is flammable, so GOJO advises against pouring old bottles in the trash or down the drain. Follow local hazardous waste rules, and keep bottles out of sight of children under six.
Does Hand Sanitizer Expire?
Yes. GOJO, the maker of PURELL, explains that the expiry date is the end of a product's shelf life, based on its manufacture date, and that Health Canada-approved makers run stability tests to set it.
- What is being tested: The same article says the specifications include things such as active ingredient content (ethyl or isopropyl alcohol), impurity limits, colour and odour.
- Who says so: This is manufacturer guidance, not a Health Canada rule of its own, so check the label on your own bottle.
How Long Does Hand Sanitizer Last?
Typically 3 to 5 years after it was made, according to GOJO, which says its own PURELL sanitizer is usually labelled with an expiry date 3 years from manufacture.
- The date is from manufacture: That is not the date you bought it, so a bottle can be older than you think.
- Our listing: The Assassin Hand Sanitizer page does not state an expiry date. Go by the date and lot code printed on the container you receive.
Why Does Hand Sanitizer Lose Strength?
Mostly because alcohol evaporates. GOJO says that when the active ingredient drops below its labelled amount the sanitizer will not perform as effectively as it did when new.
- Packaging matters: The same article says a product that has not been stability tested may leak, or its container may degrade the alcohol.
- Practical note: A bottle left open, or one that is only partly full and has been opened many times, has had more chances to lose alcohol. That is our reasoning, not a finding in the source.
Is It Okay to Use Expired Hand Sanitizer?
The manufacturer's answer is no. GOJO recommends disposing of sanitizer that is expired, has no expiry date, is not in its original labelled container, smells bad, irritates skin or has no lot code.
- Soap and water: Health Canada recommends an authorized sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol when washing with soap and water is not an option.
- When in doubt: If you cannot confirm the bottle is within date, wash your hands with soap and water, or replace the bottle.
What If My Hand Sanitizer Has No Expiry Date?
Contact the maker and ask. GOJO says the manufacturer should be able to tell you the manufacture date and expiry from the lot or batch code, and that Health Canada requires hand sanitizer to be labelled with an expiry date.
- No date and no lot code: GOJO recommends the product not be used, sold, distributed or donated.
- Pandemic-era bottles: GOJO notes some sanitizer made under Health Canada's interim measure, which ended on February 16, 2023, carried no expiry date, and advises discarding any such bottle older than one year.
Featured in this guide
Assassin Hand Sanitizer
A Health Canada-registered alcohol hand sanitizer (NPN 80064898 per the listing) with aloe and glycerin, in a refill format. Full details are on the product page.
Shop now → ✓ 30-day money-back guarantee · Free shipping over $75How Can You Check That a Hand Sanitizer Is Authorized?
Look for an eight-digit number on the label. Health Canada says every authorized hand sanitizer carries a DIN or NPN and appears on its List of Hand Sanitizers Authorized by Health Canada.
- Find the number: Look for a DIN or NPN of eight digits on the label.
- Check the list: Search for the number on Health Canada's authorized list.
- Check the alcohol: Health Canada recommends at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Check the date: Find the expiry date and the lot or batch code.
- Smell it: A bad odour, or skin that stings or reddens after use, is a reason to stop and replace it.
Our Assassin Hand Sanitizer listing names NPN 80064898 and 70 percent alcohol. Verify that number on the list yourself before you rely on it.
How Should You Store and Dispose of Hand Sanitizer?
Store it according to the label and out of children's sight. Health Canada advises keeping sanitizer away from and out of sight of children under six to avoid accidental ingestion.
- Storage: GOJO ties the expiry date to the labelled storage conditions, so follow the label, and keep the cap closed between uses.
- Disposal: GOJO says sanitizer is flammable, so it should not go in the trash or down the drain. Follow your local, provincial and federal hazardous waste guidelines.
- This is not medical advice: If a child swallows hand sanitizer, call your poison control centre or a doctor straight away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hand sanitizer expire?
Yes. The expiry date marks the end of shelf life, meaning how long the sanitizer keeps its strength, quality and purity under its labelled storage conditions.
How long does hand sanitizer last?
GOJO says typically 3 to 5 years after manufacture, and labels its own PURELL sanitizer at about 3 years. Go by the date on your own bottle.
Can you use expired hand sanitizer?
The manufacturer recommends disposing of it. Alcohol can evaporate below the labelled amount. If in doubt, wash with soap and water or replace the bottle.
What if there is no expiry date on the bottle?
Ask the maker for the expiry using the lot code. With no date and no lot code, GOJO recommends the product not be used.
How do you dispose of old hand sanitizer?
It is flammable, so do not pour it in the trash or down the drain. Follow your local hazardous waste guidelines.
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