Hydroalcoholic gel vs. handwashing with soap: which to use?

In this period of the Covid-19/Coronavirus epidemic, the use of a hydroalcoholic solution vs. handwashing with soap has often been controversial. Is hydroalcoholic gel more effective than washing with soap and water for hand disinfection? Is it harmful to our skin? Does it provide effective protection against the risk of contamination? When and how should it be used? How do we choose the right product? These are the questions most often asked.

Find out in this article all you need to know about hydroalcoholic gel and how it differs from conventional handwashing with soap.

HANDWASHING WITH SOAP AND WATER: THE MOST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION AGAINST DISEASE.

80% of infectious diseases are transmitted by the hands, through contact with contaminated objects and contact with the eyes, face or mouth. Washing hands with soap and water remains the most effective way of combating contamination. According to the WHO, the recommended hand-washing time is 40 to 60 seconds (30 seconds minimum). Liquid soap is recommended over solid soap, as the latter tends to accumulate many microbes.

Soap cleans and eliminates the risk of various types of dirt remaining on the surface of the hands, despite the use of a hand soap. hydroalcoholic solution. Hand washing remains the the first barrier against viruses and bacteriaBut beware: it's only effective if it's carried out correctly.

A good wash consists of rubbing your hands together for at least 30 seconds:

• Palm against palm,
• The backs of the hands and fingers,
• Between the fingers,
• Thumbs,
• Fingertips and nails,
• The wrists.

Drying hands with a single-use towel is an essential step. The more you limit contact with objects that have been in contact with other people, the better you limit the risk of contamination.

HYDRO-ALCOHOLIC GEL: A COMPLEMENT TO SOAP, NOT AN EXCLUSIVE ALTERNATIVE.

It's important to remember that hydroalcoholic gel does not "disinfect" hands. According to the WHO, it is only an alternative solution in the absence of a nearby water source.

Hydroalcoholic gel has bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal priorities, enabling it to eliminate most bacteria and viruses on the skin, but never all of them. Some dirt, even microscopic, can remain on the surface of the hands despite the use of a gel. This makes it easier for viruses to settle on the skin if contact is subsequently made. However, hydroalcoholic gel remains an alternative solution in many situations. That's why it's essential to know how to choose the right one.

Here are the different criteria to consider when choosing a good hydroalcoholic gel:

• Opt for a product containing between 60% and 70% alcohol,
• Do not use gel containing triclosan (an endocrine disruptor).

Hydro-alcoholic gel should only be applied to clean, dry, unsoiled hands, free of wounds. To maintain its effectiveness, hands must be thoroughly dried for 30 seconds by rubbing.

Intensive use of hydroalcoholic gel can cause hand irritation due to the presence of alcohol on the skin. Sensitive, reactive skin (with a tendency to eczema, for example) tends to cope less well with the use of this type of product.

Some perfumed versions (part of the "Cosmetics" category) may contain allergens. Their function is to clean hands, but they cannot guarantee and claim bactericidal and virucidal activity, even if the formulas are generally the same. In any case, make sure that the percentage of alcohol in the formula is well above 60%.

Hydro-alcoholic gel cannot be the only solution for good hand hygiene, to protect yourself and others. Washing hands with soap ensures proper hand disinfection and limits the spread of the virus, eliminating all risk of transmission.

Discover our liquid soaps and all our fragrances: Invigorating Grape, Soothing Almond, Regenerating Honey, Orange Blossom, Rose, etc.

Hydroalcoholic gel is a complementary or alternative solution when you can't wash your hands with soap and water. Hydroalcoholic gels with an alcohol base of less than 60% are not effective against resistant viruses and bacteria. They reduce germs, but do not kill them completely. The right choice of hydroalcoholic gel is therefore essential!

Discover Panier des Sens alternatives with our new hydroalcoholic lotion in a pump bottle and refillable canister. Recommended by the WHO, it contains 64% alcohol. The clean hand gel with the gentle scent of Provence in a 40ml tube will be available in July.