A Real Alternative to Hand Sanitizer (It’s SOAP)
NOWATA vs Sanitizer
The scientific showdown: Laboratory-tested physical virus removal vs. alcohol sanitizers that fail against norovirus, rotavirus, and other tough pathogens. One actually removes contamination—the other just spreads it around.
Alcohol Sanitizers
The False Security Solution
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Norovirus Can't Be Killed
CDC confirms: alcohol-based sanitizers are "ineffective against norovirus." The alcohol can't penetrate the virus capsid, leaving live virus particles on hands even after multiple applications.
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Fails Against Multiple Viruses
Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, and other non-enveloped viruses resist alcohol sanitizers. Studies show facilities using sanitizers preferentially had 53% norovirus outbreak rates vs. 18% for soap users.
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Sticky, Dirty "Clean" Hands
Leaves tacky residue that attracts dirt while doing nothing to remove visible contamination. You're left with "sanitized" hands that still look and feel dirty.
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False Sense of Security
People think they're protected when they're not. Harsh chemicals dry skin, making it more prone to cracks where pathogens can hide and multiply.
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Unsafe for Kids
85,000 poison control calls from 2011-2015 due to children ingesting sanitizer. Toxic if consumed and harmful chemicals transfer to food during snack time.
NOWATA Soap
Physical Virus Removal Technology
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99.94% Virus Removal—Lab Verified
Independent laboratory testing proves NOWATA physically removes 99.94% of norovirus particles (MNV surrogate) in just 45 seconds. This isn't killing—it's complete physical removal.
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Physical Clumping Technology
Revolutionary polymer system physically traps and clumps virus particles, bacteria, dirt, and grime into visible masses that brush away completely. No residue, no guessing.
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100% Plant-Based & Safe
Gentle enough for baby's skin, tough enough to remove the nastiest contamination. No alcohol, no harsh chemicals, no toxic ingredients—just effective plant-powered cleaning.
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Visible Proof of Clean
Watch contamination clump and brush away before your eyes. No wondering if it worked—you can literally see the dirt, grime, and pathogens being removed from your skin.
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Works Everywhere, Anytime
Mountaintops, playgrounds, camping trips, or your kitchen—if you can get dirty there, NOWATA cleans there. No water, no sink, no infrastructure needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is NOWATA safe for babies and toddlers?
Yes! Our formula is gentle, non-toxic, and specifically designed with children's sensitive skin in mind. It's free from harsh chemicals and alcohol that can cause irritation.
Does NOWATA contain nuts? Is it safe for people with nut allergies?
NOWATA contains ethyl macadamiate, which comes from macadamia oil. The way we make this ingredient changes it completely from its original nut form.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) lists this ingredient as low-risk and safe for most people. Many everyday products like lotions and creams use it without allergy warnings.
Most people with nut allergies can use products with ethyl macadamiate safely because the processing removes the parts that usually cause allergic reactions.
However, we want to be honest with you. If you have a very severe macadamia nut allergy:
Try a small spot test on your wrist first
Watch for any unusual reactions
Ask your doctor if you're unsure
We made NOWATA to be gentle for most skin types while staying true to our promise of using plant-based ingredients that break down naturally in nature.
How does it clean without water?
Our innovative formula works by encapsulating dirt and germs, allowing them to be peeled away along with the soap. The natural enzymes break down organic matter while the biodegradable binding agents lift it away from the skin.
Will it remove sticky substances like juice or ice cream?
Absolutely! NOWATA works on a wide range of messes, from dirt and mud to sticky foods and even paint. The peeling action removes stubborn residues that water alone often can't tackle.
How many uses per bottle?
Each 2oz bottle provides approximately 40-45 hand cleanings, depending on the size of the hands and the amount used.
Is it really biodegradable?
Yes! Every component of NOWATA breaks down naturally in the environment. The soap bits that peel away decompose completely, leaving no trace behind.
Customer Reviews
This is an essential part of my gear. It’s a tiny, portable hero in a bottle. No more Alpaca-licked hands when snacking. And the tiny scrubbie bottle…YES, YES, YES!
Took it on a hike with 3 others and we each used it. The dirt comes right off and the skin is actually left feeling nurtured. Everyone agreed. We will be taking it on all of our outdoor adventures. Thanks!
So, I bought this on a whim, not actually believing it would work. So, when the tube arrived, I went outside to do yard work- pulling weeds, mowing, trenching, gardening, etc. When I was finished 2 hours later, my hands were a mess. Great time to test my new NOWATA. Honestly, I was shocked at how good it works. My hands were cleaner than when I use soap and water. This stuff is a game changer!
Works as described. The container seems to be about half full.
Thanks for the 5-star review! Our tubes are filled by weight to ensure you get the full 2.5 FL OZ - the consistency can sometimes create air space. Appreciate you choosing NOWATA!
I took this on a two week camping/backpacking trip and it was great for actually removing grime when water was scarce. I especially appreciated it's ability to keep my hands clean as a person who prefers contact lenses over glasses.
I would feel better about using this soap if it was certified compostable by a 3rd party. Its important to me to 100% know I'm not putting micro plastics or unsafe chemicals into the environment (natural ingredients and plant-based ingredients don't always mean environmentally safe and "biodegradable" isn't the same as "certified compostable").
I would also like a smaller bottle option for backpacking.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for the great review and for taking NOWATA camping!
You're absolutely right about third-party certification - based on your feedback, we're submitting our soap for OECD 301B testing to rigorously validate our biodegradability claims.
Also noted on the smaller bottle option for backpackers!
Thanks for holding us to high environmental standards.
Best,
The NOWATA Team