Purell is a brand of hand sanitizer that has become well-known in recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic. The brand is owned by GOJO Industries, which is a privately held company based in Akron, Ohio.
Purell was first introduced in 1988, and it quickly became popular in hospitals and other healthcare settings because of its ability to kill germs without water or soap. In the years since its introduction, Purell has become more widely available and is now used by millions of people around the world.
One of the key features of Purell is that it contains at least 60% alcohol, which is effective at killing many types of germs, including viruses and bacteria. The alcohol works by breaking down the cell walls of these microorganisms, which causes them to die. Purell is also designed to be non-irritating to the skin, which makes it safe for frequent use.
In addition to its original hand sanitizer, Purell now offers a variety of products, including hand wipes, surface sprays, and hand soap. The brand has also expanded into other markets, such as healthcare and food service.
Purell has been the subject of controversy in the past, particularly in 2011 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to GOJO Industries. The FDA claimed that the company was making unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of Purell and other hand sanitizers in preventing disease.
However, Purell has also received praise for its role in promoting hand hygiene and helping to prevent the spread of infections. During the coronavirus pandemic, the brand has been particularly important, as hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus.
Overall, Purell is a well-known brand that has become synonymous with hand hygiene and the fight against germs. While it has faced criticism in the past, it remains a popular choice for people who want to keep their hands clean and prevent the spread of infection.