Green Alternatives in Personal Hygiene: Evaluating Bioalcohols in Wipes, Hand Sanitizers, and Sprays

The widespread use of petrochemical-derived alcohols in personal care and disinfectant products has raised growing concerns over environmental sustainability and human health safety. As the global demand for eco-friendly healthcare solutions intensifies, bioalcohols—notably bioethanol and biobutanol produced from renewable biomass—have emerged as compelling alternatives. This review systematically evaluates the integration of bioalcohols into personal care formulations, with a particular focus on wipes, hand sanitizers, and spray-based disinfectants. Drawing upon recent advances in green chemistry, toxicology, and industrial biotechnology, we assess the performance, safety profile, and environmental impact of bioalcohols relative to their fossil-based counterparts. While challenges persist—such as supply chain scalability, cost competitiveness, and formulation stability—our analysis reveals that bioalcohol adoption can significantly reduce carbon emissions and volatile organic compound (VOC) release in consumer products. The study concludes with strategic recommendations encompassing regulatory incentives, standardization frameworks, public education, and technological innovation, charting a pathway toward the mainstream deployment of bioalcohols in sustainable healthcare and hygiene applications.