Brussels – October 21, 2025

The European Union is reviewing the use of ethanol as an active ingredient in biocidal products, including hand sanitisers, after new safety assessments suggested potential cancer and reproductive health risks. The review follows an internal recommendation made on October 10 by a working group within the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which raised concerns about ethanol’s classification as a potentially toxic substance.

ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) is scheduled to meet between November 25 and 28 to evaluate whether ethanol should be restricted or substituted in biocidal and cleaning products. If experts determine that ethanol poses a significant risk to human health—such as carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity—it may be added to the EU’s list of substances eligible for replacement under stricter regulations.

Currently, ethanol is widely used in hand sanitisers and disinfectants for its strong antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Its potential ban could disrupt healthcare systems and industries that rely heavily on ethanol-based products for infection control. Experts warn that finding effective and safe substitutes may be challenging, as ethanol remains one of the most efficient agents for killing a broad range of pathogens.

However, the ECHA clarified that its evaluation is still ongoing and that no formal conclusions have been reached. The agency stated that, even if ethanol is classified as hazardous, it could still be permitted for specific uses where exposure risks are minimal or where no suitable alternatives exist.

The final decision will rest with the European Commission after the ECHA submits its scientific opinion. Any change in ethanol’s regulatory status would affect manufacturers, healthcare institutions, and consumers across the EU, potentially leading to reformulations of many common hygiene and cleaning products.

While the World Health Organization continues to classify both ethanol and isopropanol as safe and effective for hand hygiene, European regulators are under pressure to ensure that the long-term health implications of widespread ethanol use are fully understood. For now, ethanol remains approved—but its future in hand sanitisers and disinfectants across Europe may depend on the findings of the upcoming review.

EU Reviews Ethanol Use in Hand Sanitisers

The European Union is reviewing ethanol’s safety in biocidal products, including hand sanitisers, after experts raised concerns about potential cancer and reproductive risks. The European Chemicals Agency will meet in November to assess whether ethanol should be restricted or replaced. While ethanol is a key ingredient in most disinfectants due to its effectiveness against germs, regulators are weighing its long-term health effects. The final decision will be made by the European Commission. For now, ethanol remains approved for use, though its future in hygiene products across Europe faces growing uncertainty.