Everything you need to know about alcohol-free hand sanitisers

Today we are all hyper-aware of hand hygiene due to the pandemic, but confusion surrounds exactly what works best and why. This confusion is undoubtedly exacerbated by widely promoted government advice, which exclusively mentions alcohol-based sanitisers.

The British Government and WHO recommend that alcohol-based hand sanitisers must be formulated with over 60% alcohol, but this advice does not take into account hand sanitisers formulated without the use of alcohol.

Why do the British Government recommend over 60% alcohol hand sanitisers? 

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are widely available and very cost-effective. These main factors contribute to the recommendation by the British Government.

However, alcohol sanitisers do come with compromises, although alcohol sanitisers formulated with over 60% alcohol provide effective protection, they also evaporate quickly so do not provide residual protection and can strip the skin of the natural moisture barrier.

What is Covaflu alcohol-free hand sanitiser? 

Covaflu hand sanitiser is a unique alcohol-free hand sanitiser which has been formulated with quick and effective protection in mind.

If it's not alcohol, what is it? 

Rather than using ethanol or isopropanol, Covaflu Hand Sanitiser is formulated using the below active ingredients. Covaflu Hand Sanitiser is classified as a polymeric biocide. (Read on if you like science!)

Our formula works by disrupting the outer the protein and lipid layers that encapsulate enveloped viruses, this means that it destroys the virus- unlike alcohol sanitisers which temporarily inhibit them.

The 2 active ingredients responsible for these results:

Didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride.

Alkyl (C12-16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

The benefits on the skin: 

Because it is 100% alcohol-free, the formula is non-toxic and formulated without the use of aggressive chemicals, therefore is less harsh on the skin. The active ingredients can also be used in lower concentrations in comparison to alcohol and therefore does not cause the ‘burn’ sensation you might know from using alcohol-based sanitisers.

Covaflu Hand Sanitiser will not compromise the skins moisture barrier or aggravate the skin. Perfect for those who have sensitive skin or delicate hands.

When can you use Covaflu Hand Sanitiser? 

Covaflu Hand Sanitiser can be used for effective daily sanitising. Because of the non-toxic nature, the sanitiser can be used as and when required, daily without the risk of chapped or dry skin. Thus, perfect for people in need of daily sanitising on the go.

Certified: 

Covaflu Hand Sanitiser has been made in the UK and adheres to international hand hygiene standards.

European certificates include:

BSEN1276 – To pass this standard, products have been tested by an independent laboratory and must prove a bacteria kill rate of 99.999% within 5 minutes. This is the European standard for the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants as proof of effective infection control against harmful micro-organisms such as MRSA, Salmonella, E.Coli, Flu Virus (H1N1) and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.

BSEN14476 – Certifies the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectant and antiseptic products. This European Standard applies to hygienic handwash products that are used in the medical area.