In the wake of COVID-19, hand sanitizers are out of stock virtually everywhere. As people panic-buy Purell and other antibacterial gels (which also include the third-party sellers whose prices are simply ridiculous), a serious issue arises for hospitals that rely on them to keep both patients and doctors safe. After the WHO declared a world health emergency on Jan. 30, the cost of hand sanitizer has rapidly skyrocketed. 

As reported by USA Today, “a case of a dozen 8-ounce bottles of Purell hand sanitizer jumped from $30 to nearly $160 on Mar. 3.” 

One of the world’s largest and most prestigious perfume and cosmetic conglomerates, known as Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH), is stepping in to help.

With its headquarters in Paris, France, this company is widely known across the world for owning luxury fragrance labels, such as Louis Vuitton and Givenchy. On Mar. 15, LVMH issued a statement announcing that they would use their factories to mass-produce hand sanitizers that would be distributed to French hospitals without any cost. 

In a report by Forbes, LVMH expects approximately 12 tons of hydroalcoholic gels to be made by the end of the week, which would soon serve as a model of help to manufacturers around the world. The United States FDA also encouraged licensed pharmacists to follow LVMH by creating hand sanitizers and disinfectants to help with the shortage. 

Alcohol distilleries near SoCal and across the U.S. have also switched from making liquor to hand sanitizers as well. With restaurants and bars being closed due to COVID-19, many distilleries don’t have clients to buy alcohol. However, distilleries must follow a strict set of rules for the products that they sell under the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. By following a recipe from the World Health Organization (WHO), local distilleries and many others are working with state officials to legally make the switch to producing hand sanitizer. 

The three main ingredients needed to make hand sanitizers include purified water, ethanol, and glycerine, which is something that most perfume labs and alcohol distilleries have. For LVMH, luxury brands such as Dior, Givenchy, and Guerlain have liquid soaps and creams with a viscosity similar to the typical hand-sanitizer gel. This means that LVMH factories and labs can continue their usual method of filling machines, plastic bottles, and pump dispensers throughout the whole process. 

From practicing social distancing to sharing resources, this is proof that in these uncertain times, the more we work together ensures a better future for us all. 

Photo Courtesy of FINACIALTIMES.COM