HYGIENE In truth, although bar soap can harbour
bacteria and viruses, these organisms are washed away as soon as the soap is combined with water and a lather is formed. The surfactants in the soap, in combination with water, help to lift the bacteria and viruses, removing them from the skin and washing them down the drain. As long as soap is used properly, by lathering with water for at least 20 seconds, the risk of passing on germs is low. Soap, whether it be in liquid or solid form will reduce the number of pathogens on the hands, but the friction created by rubbing a bar soap against the skin on the hands can be more effective at removing visible debris. Liquid soap has been promoted as being
anti-bacterial almost from the beginning of its introduction to the marketplace, and with COVID-19, claims that include anti-bacterial and killing 99.9% of germs do appeal to consumers. Liquid soaps are often considered to be less drying than bar soap as they tend to have added moisturisers and there are more scents and varieties available. The lure of botanical ingredients, a soothing aloe vera or shea butter and the antibacterial properties of tea tree oil are certainly appealing to consumers. The liquid format is also more convenient, with soap dispensers keeping the area around the sink look cleaner and tidier than a dried-up bar soap with cracks and dried-on suds. Liquid soaps appear to offer a more moisturised and rich lather and can leave the skin feeling less gritty after the wash is complete.
The truth is that both types of soap are
composed of the essential components needed to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, so it comes down to personal preference whether to use a bar soap or a liquid soap, if hands are being washed properly and for enough time.
Hand Sanitisers – a replacement for soap? Euromonitor’s Global 2020 Beauty Survey shows that although the use of hand sanitising products to disinfect hands is less compared to handwashing with soap, over 60% of consumers report to using a sanitising product at least twice a day. When soap and water are not readily available, a sanitiser can be used to reduce the number of germs on the skin, although it will not eliminate all kinds of germs. Where the older generation are handwashing rather than sanitising more, the frequent use of hand sanitising products peaks among consumers in their 30s, dropping considerably among those over the age of 60 and under the age of 25. This age group often includes the parents of young children who may the value of on-the-go sanitising, versus the need to seek out soap and water. It is also a convenience that is attractive to consumers that work outside the home. In the early days of the pandemic, a number
of beauty companies, including prestige brands, were using their laboratories to mass produce sanitiser in their efforts to support their health services. Many hand sanitisers that are now being developed by beauty companies are utilising their skin care know-how to broaden the claims on these products, with options that include soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid and squalene, to care
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for the hands and to help protect them from becoming cracked and dry. It could be argued that in some situations, hand sanitiser is a preferable option. The portability of a sanitiser allows for easier and more frequent use on the go, compared with washing with soap and warm water. Also washing with soap and water in a shared or public bathroom can increase the number of surfaces touched, such as doorknobs, soap dispensers and towel dispensers. However, a shared bottle of sanitiser can have the same implication The fact remains that good old soap and
water are more effective at killing germs and bacteria than an alcohol hand sanitiser. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although sanitiser can help to reduce bacteria, it is good old soap and water that prove more effective. Alcohol sanitisers can neutralise viruses and are an effective way of helping to control transmission, but they do not possess that one superpower that soap has! Soap disrupts the sticky bond between pathogens and the skin, allowing the pathogens to literally slide off, so not only is the soap neutralising the virus, but it is also physically knocking the virus away from the skin.
Hand care Alongside a renewed focus on hand hygiene comes the need for hand care products, particularly lotions and creams, that help deal with dry skin caused by frequent hand washing and sanitisation. According to Euromonitor’s Global Beauty Study, 44% of consumers use a hand care product at least once a day and 40% of these consumers that use a hand care product choose scented options. Top claims for hand care products are unsurprisingly moisturising and hydrating as well as botanical. However, one interesting figure is that 22% of consumers that regularly use a hand care product, select one that offers sun protection claims. The hands can show signs of ageing through UV exposure, just as the skin on the face does so this is most likely the reason for consumers seeking solar protection in their hand care products. Unsurprisingly the main formats for hand care
products are creams and lotions but there are some less traditional formats that are starting to come through in the shape of scrubs, gels,
butters and serums. Hand care launches for the past year include multifunctional products such as two-in-one sanitising hand creams, cleansing hand sanitisers, no-rinse hand cleansers that buy into the consumer demand for water conscious products, and products with science-backed claims which also meets consumer demand for products that are safe and clean.
Conclusion Hand care will still be having its moment in 2021 and beyond. According to Grand View Research, the global handwash market size was valued at US$6.55 billion in 2019 and is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period 2020-2027. COVID-19 has changed the hand hygiene habits for many consumers and increasing awareness in the role of hand hygiene in infection control is a key driver. Mintel surprisingly noted a decrease in the number of hand care launches for 2020 but given the increased focus on hand hygiene, there will likely be a gap in the market for hand care innovation and products that provide skincare benefits to soaps, handwashes and sanitisers, as well as post-wash hand care products. Croda Personal Care recently launched
Three Steps to Happy Hands, a campaign that focuses on hand hygiene and care. To find out more, please visit:
https://bit.ly/3v7Fd19
PC
References 1 Refinery 29,
https://www.refinery29.com/ en-gb/is-bar-soap-hygienic-washing-hands- coronavirus
https://www.refinery29.com/en- gb/2020/11/10148568/hand-washing-vs- hand-sanitiser
2 Global Handwashing Partnership:
https://globalhandwashing.org/
3 Grand View Research
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry- analysis/hand-wash-market
4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/faqs.html
5
Insider.com
https://www.insider.com/is-bar-soap-better- than-liquid-soap
6 Euromoniter: Global Beauty Study Mintel: A Year of Innovation in Body, Hand and Footcare
May 2021 PERSONAL CARE
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