EcoHydra’s Antimicrobial Handwash is a new hand cleanser with an antimicrobial agent that does not dry the skin. It's unique, non-drying formula kills 99.9999% of known microbes instantly. It is formulated with the moisturizing properties of aloe vera, to add additional skin conditioning and healing.
The product's performance improves with repeated use. It is more effective the more it is used to a level exceeding FDA standards (AORN, August 1998). The formulation does not contain alcohol, and will not dry the skin.
The Antimicrobial Handwash contains the active ingredient Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC). This ingredient on its own has been used for over 60 years in medical sanitation, and is approved for safety and effectiveness in antiseptic applications ranging from skin cleaners (e.g. Bactine®) to surface sanitizers (e.g. Lysol®). The germ-killing activity of Benzalkonium Chloride is enhanced by its utilising our unique BASE™ Technology, so that it is effective in killing both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, as well as fungi, yeast, molds and certain viruses.
Absolutely not. Triclosan's effectiveness and safety as an antibacterial agent is questionable. Our antibacterial agent, Benzalkonium Chloride, has proved its effectiveness and safety through decades of use in the medical field where sanitary environments are of vital importance.
There are "good bacteria" in your body to ensure proper health, like acidophilus in your digestive system. However, after speaking with countless doctors and dermatologists, we have been unable to locate something that could be deemed a "good bacteria" for your hands, other than your own natural oils and fatty acids, which our product leaves intact.
Also, there is rising concern about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but topical antibacterial products (as opposed to antibiotic medication) have not been shown to contribute to bacterial resistance, according to professionals such as Dr. Jerry McEwen, vice president for science at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association. However, reports by researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have linked Triclosan to the development of new strains of bacteria in controlled laboratory experiments.
What's important to the health of you, your patients and your family is the killing of harmful bacteria like ecoli and staph. Our product is intended for use before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after coming into contact with someone or something harbouring illness-causing germs. Use it just as often as you would wash your hands, no more, no less. We agree that washing your hands over two dozen times a day would be excessive, unless you are in the medical, foodservice, military, or other industry that demands it.
Other actives strip away your skin's own natural, protective oils, causing drying which may lead to open sores on the skin. These sores can attract bacteria, leaving your skin more vulnerable. EcoHydra’s Antimicrobial Handwash uses cationic properties, which mean it is positively-charged. This type of property in the ingredient is more compatible with the essential oils of the skin than are the negatively charged (anionic) active ingredients found in most alternative soaps. The majority of the industrial hand cleansers currently available on the market rely on negatively charged actives to clean in the presence of water. Such alternative actives tend to irritate and dry the skin. Damaging the skin can trigger the release of inflammatory agents from the cells, and can lead to an inflammatory response with repeated use. These other commonly used actives tend to destroy the skin's water-retaining oils and lipids.
EcoHydra’s Antibacterial Handwash is more effective at killing a wide variety of disease-causing micro-organisms at a concentration of active ingredient that is still gentle on the skin. In contrast, several problems can occur when other actives are used:
Triclosan: This compound has been used in a wide variety of products that have made "antibacterial" claims. However, studies published in several peer-reviewed medical journals have indicated that skin cleansing preparations containing Triclosan are actually not much more effective than non-medicated soap and water. A study recently released by Tufts University demonstrated that Triclosan can promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria, including the bacteria which are responsible for tuberculosis (Nature, Vol. 394, pp. 531-532 June 1998 issue).
PCMX: Although much more effective at killing germs than Triclosan, several reports have documented that PCMX, a man-made phenolic active (antiseptic compound), can promote resistant bacteria as well. This effect is lessened if the concentration of PCMX is increased. However, increasing PCMX concentration is dangerous because PCMX is a small molecule and can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. Therefore, toxicity with repeated use is an issue to consider in these commercially available preparations.
CHG: Chlorhexidine Gluconate is used as the active ingredient in surgical scrubs and prescription oral rinses for the treatment of periodontal pockets. CHG has greater systemic toxicity than PCMX, but due to the large size of CHG molecule it is less readily absorbed. The larger size of the CHG molecule also makes its antimicrobial killing action slower than smaller molecules.
Yes it is cationic, which means positively-charged. The active ingredient carries a positive charge. This type of charge is more compatible with the essential oils of the skin than are the negatively charged (anionic) active ingredients found in most soaps. The majority of the industrial handwashes available on the market presently rely on negatively charged surfactants (anions) to clean in the presence of water. Such surfactants tend to irritate and dry the skin. In short, anionic surfactants interact with parts of living skin cells (mainly proteins and lipids) that present either a neutral or local net positive charge to the anionic surfactant. Damaging these areas can trigger the release of inflammatory agents from the cells, and can lead to an inflammatory response in the exposed tissue (in this case, the skin). Also, these anions destroy the skin's water-retaining oils and lipids, causing problems similar to those produced by alcohol-based instant hand sanitisers. Overall, the net result is that anionic soaps damage skin cells, and dry the skin.
Washing Hands technique:
You can use the paper towel to turn off the tap. If only air hand dryers are used, use a tissue from your pocket. Luckily some taps automatically turn on and off or can be operated by a foot pedal.
Yes. The Cleanser meets the performance standards set by the FDA in the 21CFR 333.470: Effectiveness testing of a healthcare personnel handwash. This protocol requires these products to:
EcoHydra’s products were designed with the clinical environment in mind; however, they are gentle enough for daily use on the sensitive skin of children. Therefore, they have applications in all businesses, for example, medical clinics, food preparation services and schools.
In vitro tests of the EcoHydra Handwash, Hand Lotion, and the Barrier Cream, have been completed based on the European prEN12054 standard in an independent laboratory on the following organisms:
Results of the prEN12054 (diluted to 55% concentration) testing on the Handwash:
30 sec log reductions against tested organisms:
The EcoHydra system is formulated to be highly compatible with the skin. It does not break down the skin's natural barrier, as do other actives found in alternative products. In addition to this, Aloe Vera is a natural emollient and skin softener that helps the skin stay healthy with repeated product use.
No. The EcoHydra products leave no stain and rinse off easily with water. The non-staining aspect is another benefit in the area of cost savings. Certain actives, such as CHG, have the potential for discolouring surfaces, and can react with bleach in the wash cycle to leave permanent brown stains. This effect is worse at the higher concentrations of CHG used in some branded hand cleansing solutions (i.e. 2%), and presents an unnecessary risk to potential users.
Understanding that various skin types have different natural moisture content, you should use enough to cover your hands (1 ml of the Handwash). The EcoHydra products have less surface tension than many traditional products, and therefore are easily spread on the hands. This allows less of the product to go farther than standard soaps and cleansers.
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