Hand Sanitizers may contain toxic methanol

Nearly a dozen scented hand sanitizer sprays sold at Ulta, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls stores in the US are being recalled because they may be contaminated with methanol, a chemical that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin.

Manufacturers of the affected products are said to have ordered the recall of the products after tests found methanol (wood alcohol), benzene, and acetaldehyde in some of the products, a statement on the FDA website said on Friday.

The recall involves certain lots of these sanitizers sold in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia: Ulta Beauty Collection Fresh Lemon Scented Hand Sanitizer; Coconut Breeze Black and White Hand Sanitizer; SS Black and White Collection Eucalyptus & Mint Black and White Hand Sanitizer; SS Black and White Collection Lavender & Herbs Black and White Hand Sanitizer; SS Black and White Collection Lemon Zest Black and White Hand Sanitizer and several others.

Ulta Beauty said it is no longer selling the sanitizer spray, and Steve Morrison of Scentsational Soaps & Candles says the company is doing “everything possible” to carry out the recall and make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Methanol exposure can be deadly and may cause nausea, headaches, blurred vision, blindness, seizures, and permanent damage to the nervous system, according to the FDA. Last year, the agency warned people to avoid more than 100 brands of hand sanitizers due to possible methanol contamination.