Sanitiser vs Washing Hands – which is it? Soap and water, scientific research suggests, beats sanitiser gel hands down, pardon the pun! For example, here is a link to a study done in 2019.
https://msphere.asm.org/content/4/5/e00474-19
Whilst good lathering up is all very well – sanitiser gel is essential when being out and about. I am not going to talk about it’s shortages or any other obvious facts. What interested me when I was developing a hand sanitiser for our India Jazz range, was what are the most effective and skin-friendly ingredients.
- NHS and Public Health England state that to kill most viruses, a hand sanitiser requires at least 60% alcohol content – whilst most contain about 60-95%. There are some ranges available for those with sensitive skin that do not contain alcohol. For decades, there were other types that contained a powerful antibacterial agent, triclosan. It was found in everything from soaps to toothpaste. Research has since shown that triclosan can be detrimental to the body’s endocrine system. It’s use in hygiene products was banned at the end of 2017. However, I have come across products that still contain it! Particularly in pound shops – so be careful when you buy sanitising gel. Do check whether triclosan is listed as an ingredient!
- There are so many recipes out there for preparing your own hand sanitiser at home. They are circulated by health and beauty bloggers, women’s magazines and social media generally. They range from suggestions to use vodka – the alcohol content of which is nowhere near as high as is required to kill viruses on impact. Rubbing your hands with tea tree oil (this can be very dangerous for eczema & psoriasis sufferers and those with dry skin). Carrying a bottle of Malt Vinegar (this made me laugh – even if you are obsessed with fish & chips, these are mostly shut, so don’t bother!) Please do not follow these.
The bottom line is – hand sanitiser is essential on the go. Please wash your hands as soon as you get anywhere with hot water and soap. So, sanitiser vs washing hands – sanitiser on the go, wash as soon as you can!