Rubbing Alcohol in The UK: Everything You Need To Know About It

Post covid rubbing alcohol has gained a lot of attention. It is because rubbing alcohol is a very convenient way to disinfect a surface. Also, rubbing alcohol has many other uses besides being a disinfectant, like in the cosmetic industry, medical industry, etc.

Rubbing alcohol may be used to clean any surface that requires it. Rubbing alcohol can also be used on bodily parts depending on its strength and other conditions. Dettol, a bath disinfectant, is one example of this.

In the cosmetic sector, rubbing alcohol is used in goods such as lotions, sanitizers, aftershaves, etc.

Rubbing alcohol is also used to treat wounds. Rubbing alcohol’s primary function is to destroy bacteria. It is not, however, approved for internal usage.

World has accepted rubbing alcohol but what about the UK? What is the status of rubbing alcohol in the UK? Do you know what rubbing alcohol is called in the UK? Or is rubbing alcohol legal in the UK?

If you are unaware of the status of rubbing alcohol in the UK, then don’t worry. This blog is about rubbing alcohol in the UK.

Table of Contents

What is Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is a disinfectant made up of isopropyl; sometimes, ethanol base liquids are also used to make rubbing alcohol.

Due to the high percentage of alcohol, rubbing alcohol kills bacteria. The success rate of rubbing alcohol is 70 to 99 %, depending upon the strength of the alcohol or ethanol (if rubbing alcohol is ethanol based).

Where is Rubbing Alcohol Used?

Rubbing alcohol can be used on any surface where it needs cleaning. Depin upon the strength and other factors rubbing alcohol can also be used on body parts. An example of this is Dettol disinfectant used for bathing.

Rubbing alcohol is also used in the cosmetic industry in products like lotions, sanitizers, aftershaves, etc.

Rubbing alcohol is also used in dressing a wound. The prime purpose of rubbing alcohol is to kill germs. However, it is not recommended for internal use.

What is Rubbing Alcohol Called In The UK?

Rubbing alcohol is an isopropyl-based disinfectant; ethanol base liquids are occasionally used to manufacture rubbing alcohol.

Rubbing alcohol destroys microorganisms due to its high alcohol content. Depending on the strength of the alcohol or ethanol, rubbing alcohol has a success rate of 70 to 99%. (if rubbing alcohol is ethanol based).

In the UK, rubbing alcohol is called surgical spirit. There are also other names for rubbing alcohol, like isopropyl alcohol and rubbing IPA disinfectant.

Whatever the name is, all of them work the same.

Is Rubbing Alcohol Legal In The UK?

Rubbing alcohol is a beneficial product. It is not only to disinfect a surface but it can also be used to dress a wound.

But is rubbing alcohol legal in the UK?

The answer is yes. Rubbing alcohol is legal in the UK.

Rubbing alcohol in the UK can be found in most pharmacies and supermarkets.

What Are The Guidelines For Using Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is indeed a great product. It is instrumental in day-to-day life. However, one should not forget that it can also be very harmful.

For instance, rubbing alcohol, when consumed, can cause serious health issues. Therefore, it is advised not to use rubbing alcohol for internal use. Use it on the surface and keep it far away from the reach of children.

Also, rubbing alcohol is flammable. Therefore, one should avoid using it near any fire source.

Is There a Difference Between Rubbing Alcohol And Isopropyl Alcohol?

Both rubbing alcohol and isopropyl alcohol work the same; their main difference is their concentration.

Isopropyl alcohol is 100% alcohol and is very strong. In contrast, rubbing alcohol is diluted with water added, making it weak and suitable for use.

But the properties of both of them are identical, and the difference lies only in their concentration.

What Can Be Used As a Substitute For Rubbing Alcohol?

At times rubbing alcohol may not be present with you. At times like these, there are some substitutes that you can use.

Here is a list of rubbing alcohol substitutes. By no means do they completely replace rubbing alcohol. They are suitable for the time being when rubbing alcohol is not present.

1. Soap and Water

The combination of soap and water is beneficial as a disinfectant and is an excellent substitute for rubbing alcohol. Soap and water have the ability to kill germs and make any surface clean.

If you use it on a nonliving surface, feel free to play with ratios.

However, if you are using it on a wound, then use a minimal amount of soap as it can irritate the skin.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is also an excellent substitute for rubbing alcohol. Though vinegar should not be used to disinfect wounds, it can be handy in household chores.

Vinegar removes tough stains and has a natural ability to kill germs.

3. Bleach

Bleach is a great rubbing alcohol substitute. It has been in use in our houses for a long, and it still is good.

Bleach removes stains, kills bacteria, and leaves a faint smell.

These were some rubbing alcohol substitutes.

Is Hand Sanitizer and Rubbing Alcohol The Same?

A common question that is asked many times is are rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer are the same thing.

The answer is more or less the same. Hand sanitizer contains rubbing alcohol in it, but it has some more added ingredients. Ingredients like gel base, glycerine, or aloe vera are added to it to thin out its consistency and make it more skin friendly.

Conclusion

So this was all about rubbing alcohol in the UK. it sure is an effective and convenient chemical. Rubbing alcohol is an excellent product. It is helpful in everyday life. Yet, it is essential to remember that it may also be quite hazardous.

When rubbing alcohol is drunk, for example, it might create major health problems. As a result, it is not recommended to use rubbing alcohol internally. Apply it on the surface and keep it out of children’s reach.

Also, rubbing alcohol is combustible. As a result, it should not be used near a fire.

If used correctly, it can be a very rewarding chemical.