Ethyl Alcohol Vs Isopropyl Alcohol Although washing hands with soap and water is the most effective way of fighting germs, washing sinks are not available all the time. Hand sanitizers keep germs at bay when soap and water are absent. Hand sanitizers are either alcohol-based or alcohol-free. Alcohol-based sanitizers contain 60-90% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol Although both alcohols have antimicrobial properties when diluted in water, they have significant differences in their properties. This article explains the difference between the two alcohols regarding their antimicrobial properties, effectiveness, and safety to the skin.