The Health Unit recommends hand sanitizers with an alcohol content of at least 70% for healthcare providers, schools and in childcare settings and a minimum alcohol content of 60% in all other settings.

The Health Unit does not regulate hand sanitizers being used in the community. Health Canada has created a list of approved hand sanitizers, and regulates them to ensure they are safe for use. There are over 4,000 Health Canada approved hand sanitizers which can be found here.

We advise everyone to use only Health Canada approved hand sanitizers with a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN). We encourage everyone to check that their hand sanitizer has a DIN or NPN and to be sure its expiry date is still good. If the hand sanitizer is approved by Health Canada, the DIN or NPN number will be located on the product's label.

To learn more about hand sanitizers in Canada visit Health Canada's website.