Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by 2 commercially available Benzalkonium chloride-based hand sanitizers in comparison with an 80% ethanol-based hand sanitizer.

Background: The CDC and WHO recommend alcohol-based hand sanitizers to inactivate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2].

Aim: Benzalkonium chloride [BAK] is another hand sanitizer active ingredient that could be used in response to the global pandemic. Deployment of BAK-based hand sanitizers could reduce shortages of alcohol products and increase hand hygiene options where there are social, physical, and toxicological constraints on alcohol use.