The most relevant topic of these days is coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the precautions that must be taken to protect yourself and your family from this virus.

In March 2020, WHO announced a worldwide pandemic: coronavirus infected were found everywhere. Moldova has initiated unprecedented security measures by isolating a lot of regions of the country. The country was equipped with tests to check for coronavirus, equipment for doctors and disinfectants. Viorica Cosmetic became the main Moldovian manufacturer of antibacterial gels. Over the past month, we have increased the production of this product by 10 times. At the same time, the price of this gels remained unchanged.

It should be noted that antibacterial gels “Viorica” contain 70-85% alcohol, while a concentration of 62% is required to destroy COVID-19. Why exactly this alcohol content and other questions about how to choose the right antiseptic — find out from the following information.

Is alcohol effective against the virus?

Definitely – yes. From the group of alcohols as skin antiseptics, practical importance has ethyl alcohol (60-85%), isopropyl alcohol (60-80%) and N-propyl alcohol (60-80%). But to combat the new coronavirus, WHO recommends the use of alcohol-based antiseptics that contain 75% propanol or 80% ethanol. These recommendations have been confirmed by studies by German and Swiss biologists.

What concentration of alcohol is considered optimal?

An ideal antiseptic is 75% or more ethyl alcohol solution. Alcohol-containing gels containing lower concentrations do not have a pronounced antiseptic effect.

Is an antiseptic with a 70% alcohol concentration ineffective?

The authoritative German specialist in the field of hand hygiene Kampf G, who, together with his colleagues, conducted a comparative study of three skin alcohol antiseptics with different alcohol concentrations, recommended for use by three national hospital hygiene societies: ÖGHMP (Austria), VAH (Germany) and SFHH (France).

Two antiseptics were based on 70% ethanol, the third on 60% ethanol with the addition of 15% isopropanol (all concentrations are given by weight of the substance). The assessment was carried out under conditions of applying 3 ml of the agent for 30 seconds.

As a result of studies, it was found that solutions based on alcohol less than 70% are significantly less effective compared to a solution containing ≥ 80% alcohol by weight, and therefore don’t satisfy European requirements for antimicrobial efficacy.

Which antibacterial gel to choose: based on ethanol or isopropyl?

The Journal of Infectious Diseases magazine evaluated the ability to kill viruses of alcohol-containing gels based on both: and ethanol, and isopropanol. What is the difference? Isopropyl alcohol is considered somewhat more effective against bacteria (95), and ethyl alcohol is considered more powerful against viruses (259).

What is the advantage of ethyl alcohol in the composition of antiseptic agents?

Ethanol is classified as a low toxic substance. It has a strong and ubiquitous virucidal effect compared to other types of alcohols, such as propanol. Therefore, under the spectrum of virucidal activity of a gel containing 95% ethanol, most clinically significant viruses — lipophilic viruses: herpes, flu, vaccine etc.; as well as hydrophilic viruses: adenovirus, enterovirus, rhinovirus and rotaviruses etc. With its frequent use, the skin practically does not dry out. It is not dangerous in terms of carcinogenic and teratogenic effects.

Can I use an antibacterial gel instead of washing my hands?

Experts say that the best disinfection is washing your hands with soap. If it is possible, always wash your hands (do not forget to wash thoroughly, for 30 seconds). Are you not at home? Running out of soap in the office? Need to ride in public transport or take a cart in the store? Then use the antibacterial hand gel as an alternative way to treat the skin if there is no soap and faucet nearby.

Is alcohol effective in combating COVID-19?

Coronavirus is a form of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). This is a completely new disease and the human body hasn’t yet developed effective defense mechanisms. Like many other viruses, coronavirus is enclosed in a lipid membrane, roughly speaking, a capsule of fat. And preparations containing not less than 70% alcohol have an excellent ability to dissolve this shell, due to its chemical structure. Without a lipid capsule, coronavirus poses no danger to human body. 

Therefore, the answer is yes, alcohol products with an alcohol concentration of at least 70% are effective for in killing the bacteria.

Accordingly, if you intend to purchase a treasured bottle of antibacterial gel, read the composition carefully. Now you know which sanitizers are effective and which are not. And for those who maintain the self-isolation regime, there is always the opportunity to order antibacterial gels “Viorica”, on site with home delivery.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Stay healthy!