Disinfectant ingredients

When it comes to the ideal disinfectant, what matters most is the ingredients that clean the hands. But how is a high-quality disinfectant made up? And which ingredients can give the skin some care and moisture in addition to hygiene? We have collected the information on this question for you...

● Constituents of disinfectant

An effective disinfectant usually contains a high proportion of alcohol. But that's not all. We have the most important ingredients of disinfectants listed for you.

○ Ethanol: Ethanol is a commonly used one ingredient in disinfectants. Alternatively, isopropanol can also be used. Ethanol is a monohydric alcohol that is also found in luxury foods and is used as a solvent for cosmetics and care products. It is important that the proportion of ethanol in a disinfectant is at least 70 percent or more so that the disinfectant is effective against viruses.

○ oils: If you are looking for a quality disinfectant, you can look for oils on the contents list. Oils are natural Ingredients in disinfectants, which not only have a calming effect, but can also bring a wonderful scent.

○ excipients: The excipients include, for example, surfactants. They ensure a reduction in surface tension and help water and oils to mix well. They also act as transporters of the active ingredients to the germs to be killed.

○ Water: Of course, disinfectants also contain water, there are even water-based disinfectants that do not use alcohol and work in a different way. But: just because a disinfectant contains water does not make it water-based.

○ Thickener: Not every disinfectant contains thickeners, but they are especially important for gels, so that the disinfectant gel gets its smooth texture and can be rubbed in easily.

● Disinfect hands – but properly

Especially in times of Corona, it is of immense importance to disinfect your hands again and again and to pay attention to hygiene and distance. You should not use your disinfectant too often, as the ethanol draws water from the skin and thus promotes dry hands. It's better to disinfect your hands less often and really thoroughly and precisely. For example, it is often forgotten to completely supply the spaces between the fingers with disinfectant. The fingertips also deserve some disinfectant. Never combine disinfection and hand washing. If you wash your hands after you have already disinfected them, you are not doing your hands any good. This will only dry out your hands even more.

In principle, it is advisable to disinfect, especially if you have come into contact with things in public spaces that other people touch, such as the shopping trolley or the handrail in the S-Bahn.

● Spectrum of effects of disinfectants

In fact, not every disinfectant works the same way. Below you will find an overview of the effects of disinfectants.

○ 1 limited virucidal

A limited virucidal disinfectant can take on enveloped viruses. However, a limited virucidal disinfectant has no chance against non-enveloped viruses. Enveloped viruses include influenza and corona viruses.

○ 2 viruzid

A virucidal disinfectant offers all-round protection against all known types of viruses. Hepatitis B and C, adeno-, rota- and noroviruses belong to the non-enveloped viruses, against which one can protect oneself with a virucidal disinfectant just as against non-enveloped ones.

○ 3 bactericidal

A bactericidal disinfectant kills bacteria but not viruses. An antibacterial disinfectant, for example, does not help to protect against infection with the novel corona virus.

○ 4 fungicide

Fungicidal disinfectants work against fungi and disrupt their metabolism to kill them. Most of the time, however, they are powerless when it comes to removing the spores.

● Does disinfectant work without alcohol?

Alcohol-free sanitizers are pH neutral, mostly water-based, and don't emit an odor of alcohol, which are huge benefits for some people. In fact, the mode of action differs between disinfectants with and without alcohol. While disinfectants with alcohol are referred to as protein denaturation, disinfectants without alcohol usually have an oxidizing effect. Chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide or benzyl peroxide are used as active ingredients. Hydrogen peroxide is contained in bleaches, for example. There are effective non-alcohol sanitizers out there, but most products rely on ethanol content for good reason, as it guarantees effective cleaning. 

● The best disinfectant

Are you looking for a carefully developed disinfectant that you can rely on high-quality ingredients? Then you've come to the right place: Our disinfectant gel not only contains 72% ethanol, we have also put all our passion and know-how into the formulation to make your everyday life a little more beautiful. That's why this formulation also contains an exclusive care ingredient that gives your hands a pleasant skin feeling. Just try it out for yourself!