With the current Covid-19 outbreak, it is difficult to get hold of any hand sanitizers and therefore, having an alcohol-free hand sanitizer is probably better than none at all.
Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are effective in reducing microbes. What are some of the active ingredients suitable for your hand sanitizers? Some regularly used disinfectants are Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC), Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DDAC), Dioctyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DODAC) and Chloroxylenol (PCMX).
In general, QACs are active towards vegetative bacteria, enveloped viruses and most yeast and moulds. However, they are less effective against spores, Mycobacteria, non-enveloped viruses and some gram negatives. They are membrane active agents and have a similar mechanism to alcohols where they disrupt the lipid structure of the viral envelope.
BKC is a common alternative to alcohols in alcohol-free hand sanitizers. It offers strong detergency and rapid, safe, powerful antimicrobial activity at low ppm. BKC based disinfectants are non-toxic, non-tainting, non-corrosive, non-staining and odour-free at use dilutions.
DDAC are used in many biocidal applications. It can reduce microbes; however, they are less effective in killing germs compared to alcohols and require a longer contact time to show significant effect. Hence, they are typically used as disinfectants in surface disinfecting products.
Similar to DDAC, DODAC is a broad-spectrum disinfectant that requires longer contact time to kill germs. It has been used in human and instrument sensitization and industrial applications. Furthermore, it can be used as disinfectant cleaner for linen, recommended for use in hospitals, hotels and industries.
PCMX is another alternative. PCMX is a halogen-substituted phenolic compound that is widely used as preservatives in cosmetics and active agents in anti-microbial soaps. Similar to QACs, PCMX is also poorer than alcohols and is effective in reducing microbes to a certain extent.
| INCI Name & CAS No. | Product Characteristics | Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC) |
|---|---|---|
|
4-Chloro-3, 5-m-Xylenol; PCMX |
High efficiency, broad spectrum, gram +/- Mildew, low-toxic antiseptic, approved by FDA |
Household and personal care products, liquid detergent (0.5% – 1%), antibacterial handling detergent (1%), disinfectant (4.5% – 5%) |
| Halophenols | Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chemical Name |
Chloroxylenol (PCMX) |
Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) |
Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DDAC) |
Dioctyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DODAC) |
|
Mechanism |
||||
|
Suitable For |
Hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants |
|
Surface disinfectants |
Surface disinfectants |
|
Recommended Dosage |
4.00% |
0.16% |
0.15% |
0.15% |
|
Compatibility Issues |
||||
| Generation | Cell | Hard Water Tolerance | Fungal Activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride |
1 |
Lowest |
- |
- |
|
Alkyl Dimethyl Ethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride |
2 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Alkyl Dimethyl Ethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride / Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride |
3 |
- |
Better |
- |
|
Alkyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride |
4 |
Highest |
Best |
Best |
|
Dialkyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride / Alkyl Dimethyl Ethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride |
5 |
High |
Better |
Better |
WHO guidelines on hand hygiene in health care. (2011, August 5). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/tools/9789241597906/en/
| Phase | Material | INCI Name | Supplier | % W/W | % W/W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Propylene Glycol | Propylene Glycol | – | 5.00 | 5.00 |
| Glycerin* | Glycerin | – | 5.00 | 5.00 | |
| Deionized Water | Water | – | q.s. to 100.00 | q.s. to 100.00 | |
| B | K-CARE BKC80 | Benzalkonium Chloride | Maha Chemicals | 0.1625 | – |
| K-BIO PCMX | 4-Chloro-3, 5-Dimethylphenol | Maha Chemicals | – | 4.00 | |
| C | Aloe Vera Extract BG | Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Butylene Glycol | TEN | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Chamomile Extract BG | Chamomille Recutita (matricaria) Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol | TEN | 1.00 | 1.00 | |
| D | AMP 95 | Aminomethyl Propanol | Angus | q.s. | q.s. |
| Appearance | Clear – Slightly hazy liquid |
| pH | 7.0-7.5 |
| Phase | Material | INCI Name | Supplier | % W/W | % W/W | % W/W | % W/W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Deionized Water | Water | – | q.s. to 100.00 | q.s. to 100.00 | q.s. to 100.00 | q.s. to 100.00 |
| B | K-CARE BKC80 | Benzalkonium Chloride | Maha Chemicals | – | 3.00 | – | – |
| K-CARE DDAC80 | Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride | Maha Chemicals | – | – | 0.15 | – | |
| K-CARE DODAC | Dioctyldimethylammonium Chloride | Maha Chemicals | – | – | – | 0.15 | |
| C | GLDA | Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate | – | 0.20 | 0.20 | 0.20 | 0.20 |
Have you ever planned to make a skin care product with fermentation concept? We have a moisturising agent based on fermentation mechanism here. Read more from here.
Here are the top skincare trends for 2023, handpicked by experts and guaranteed to stay! Explore skin minimalism, body care and more in this article. Read on to find out more.
Get ready to put your best face forward in 2023 with the hottest skincare ingredients on the market! These ingredients are scientifically proven to give your skin the TLC (tender loving care) it needs to look and feel its best. From unconventional magic mushrooms to popular ingredients such as niacinamide and ceramides, these top ingredients will have your skin glowing like the star it is. Whether you’re looking to reduce wrinkles, brighten your complexion or nourish your skin, these ingredients will have you covered. So, ditch that old jar of cream and upgrade your skincare routine with the must-have ingredients of 2023. Your skin will thank you for it! Read on to find out more.
Copyright © 2023 Maha Chemicals (Asia) Pte Ltd
