The one we all learned to love carrying around during the pandemic.
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) at 70% concentration is a widely used antiseptic for hand sanitation and surface disinfection. 70% ethyl alcohol provides rapid bactericidal activity against most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and certain enveloped viruses through protein coagulation and denaturation.
The 60ml size is the practical travel and kit size.
Small enough to fit anywhere.
Note: 70 to 80% ethanol solutions can cause mild stinging on broken skin… so it’s better used for hand disinfection and surface cleaning rather than directly on open wounds. For wounds, Betadine (povidone-iodine) is the better choice.
During COVID-19 and the typhoon seasons here in Davao, 60ml alcohol bottles became almost as essential as your phone. And honestly… they still should be. Sanitation in emergency evacuation centers, in flooded areas, and during disaster response is critical.
Contaminated hands spread infection faster than almost anything else.
What it’s used for:
- Hand sanitation before and after providing first aid
- Surface disinfection of tools, scissors, tweezers before use
- General hygiene in evacuation centers and disaster situations
- Cleaning unbroken skin before injections or IV insertion
- Emergency surface disinfection during disease outbreaks
Why it belongs in your emergency kit:
- Keeps your hands sanitary when soap and water aren’t available
- Disinfects tools before use to prevent introducing infection into wounds
- Critical in evacuation centers where hygiene facilities are limited
- 60ml size is compact and fits in any first aid kit or Go Bag pocket
- Very affordable… available at every sari-sari store and pharmacy in Davao
| PROS | CONS |
| Kills most bacteria and viruses rapidly | NOT for use directly on open wounds… can sting and delay healing |
| Widely available across the Philippines at minimal cost | Flammable… keep away from open flames (important during camping or brownout candles) |
| 60ml is compact and portable for kits, bags, and cars | Evaporates quickly if left open or in heat |
| Effective for hand hygiene with no water required | Does not replace proper wound cleaning with Betadine or saline |
| Long shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place with cap sealed | Can dry out skin with repeated use without moisturizing |
