The Washington Post: The history and mystery of Purell
Use it as a supplement, or a Plan B, not as a miracle goo, say UC-affiliated experts
An article in The Washington Post describes the medical and cultural impact of hand sanitizers, predominately Purell, during the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Looking back to the late 1980s, the article explains how the company Gojo developed a clear, alcohol-based, emollient-enriched, disinfecting substance that was dispensed by a pump bottle and required no water at all.
Experts representing UC’s James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy weigh in on the efficacy and proper use of the soap and water alternative. The article quotes Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumna Kelly Dobos, a former Gojo cosmetic chemist who now sits on the college’s Board of Advisors, and Professor K.P. Ananth, director of the cosmetic sciences program at the college.
Note: Some platforms require you to disable the ad blocker.
Featured image/Pablo Delcan for The Washington Post
Related Stories
UC Serves gives back to Greater Cincinnati
May 18, 2026
UC Serves brought together more than 425 staff and faculty volunteers Friday, May 15, for a day of giving back to the community. It has drawn participation from across the University of Cincinnati since 2014.
Pocket-sized population threat
May 18, 2026
The Financial Times took a deep dive into why populations around the world continue to be on the decline. The publication cited new University of Cincinnati research as part of the investigation that looks at the fall of fertility in the digital era.
UC finds integrating substance use disorder treatment into clinic-based internal medicine expands access to care
May 18, 2026
A University of Cincinnati primary care teaching clinic integrates substance use disorder treatment into resident training, expanding access to addiction care and boosting physician confidence.