Can The Regular Topical Application of High Alcohol-Based Products, Such As Hand Sanitizers, Cause Long-Term Skin Damage and Irritation?
Yes, if not properly formulated with the skin-softening emollients, and a good % of skin hydrating ingredients.
Belle’Gard Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer Serum
At this point, as I write this article, the entire planet seems to be in the need to act powerfully and quickly against the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The way we respond to a crisis is unique to us and depends on our circumstances.
So, as a professional in the field of skincare, perfumery and cosmetics, I want to communicate transparently and honestly.
I was contacted in the last few months to produce a 60%-75% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Undoubtedly, it is very easy to make 60%-75% alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
KEY POINTS
- To be effective and recommended for use as a hand sanitizer, the formula must contain either ethanol OR isopropyl alcohol in an aqueous solution as a gel, serum, or spray.
- According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “laboratory data demonstrate that 60% ethanol and 70% isopropanol, the active ingredients in CDC-recommended alcohol-based hand sanitizers, inactivates viruses that are genetically related to, and with similar physical properties as, the 2019-nCoV” (CDC Statement for Healthcare Personnel on Hand Hygiene during the Response to the International Emergence of COVID-19 | CDC).
- Other hand sanitizer formulations with active ingredients such as Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Triclosan, Chlorohexidine, or Essential oils are not as effective as alcohol-based hand rubs.
The Problem with High % of Ethanol – Potential to Cause Long Term Skin Damage
Due to my professional responsibility as a professional skincare product developer, I want to share the following:
- Repeated use of detergents and alcohol- based hand sanitizers results in disruption of the hydro-lipid barrier, potentially leading to unhealthy looking dry hands and contact dermatitis (Cork et al., 2009).
- Topical use of ethanol is associated with skin irritation or contact dermatitis (Lachenmeier, 2008).
- Frequent hand washing with some harsh detergents and alcohol depletes the surface lipids (oils) of the skin resulting-in include skin dryness, irritation, itching, cracking and even bleeding sometime.
- “Frequent use of alcohol-based formulations for hand antsepsis tends to cause drying of the skin unless humectants or other skin conditioning agents are added to the formulations” (WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care First Global Patient Safety Challenge Clean Care is Safer Care, 2009).
So rather than jumping on the bandwagon of producing hand-drying sanitizers and put in the market for a quick gain, I decided to develop a moisturizing sanitizer formulation using 70% ethanol v/v with emollients and hydrating ingredients.
Effective Solution Available Now
Hand Hygiene is a necessary and rewarding habit for life, not just during this time of pandemic!
Belle’Gard Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer Serum (Learn More)
Based on the finding that an infectious agent’s first contact with a new host occurs through an epithelial membrane. This event may be the surface of the skin or the internal mucosal surfaces. After contact, the infectious agent must adhere to the epithelial surface. Belle’Gard Hand Sanitizer Serum kills 99.9% of germs and removes genetic traces of pathogens, while keeping your hands moisturized.
This remarkable 70% v/v ethanol-based product:
- does not harm the barrier Function of the skin
- provides a healthy glow
- keeps your skin moisturized
How It Works Available Now
It is produced not just by mixing alcohol with acrylates or natural gums, but by using a proprietary micro-emulsion technology.
Belle’Gard chemically cleaves the germ wall and deactivates the pathogens.
“Every day is a beautiful day with safe and moisturized hands.”
Deeply hydrating & moisturizing ingredients:
- Ectoine (one of the most powerful natural molecules against dehydration and skin inflammation)
- Panthenol (pro vitamin B5)
- Sodium Lactate (natural moisturizing factor)
- Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (naturally derived emollient)
Belle’Gard is the hand sanitizer to keep the skin moisturized, clean and germ-free, because your Hands Are Your Second Face
Hand hygiene is not only during the pandemic, but also an essential and beneficial habit in life!
With Best Wishes for Your Health & Safety,
Manoj (Josh) Jain
Bibliography
Cork, M. J., Danby, S. G., Vasilopoulos, Y., Hadgraft, J., Lane, M. E., Moustafa, M., … Ward, S. J. (2009). Epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 129(8), 1892–1908.
Lachenmeier, D. W. (2008, November 13). Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. BioMed Central. https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-3-26
WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care First Global Patient Safety Challenge Clean Care is Safer Care. (2009).
