FAQ - Hand Lotion
Q. What is an antimicrobial hand lotion?
A. An antimicrobial hand lotion is an antiseptic lotion that is used to moisturise the hands and help heal dry or chapped skin whilst disinfecting by quickly killing, neutralising, or inhibiting the growth of pathogens on the hands, with the aim of avoiding transmission of pathogens.
Q. Why do you recommend a hand lotion as part of your Hand Hygiene Triangle?
A. In 2002 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommended the use of a hand lotion as part of good hand hygiene practice. The key benefit of EcoHydra’s lotion is that it also has an active ingredient to disinfect the hands.
Q. How does a hand lotion contribute to the health of skin?
A. In day-to-day circumstances most people do not wash their hands frequently enough to prevent the spread of microorganisms. Using a hand lotion that has a disinfecting quality will decrease the spread of infections.
For healthcare workers and others in the food, military, or other industry that demands it, hand washing can be as frequent as 20 times per day. In this case, a hand lotion applied at regular intervals will help to maintain the smooth surface of the skin, and prevent cracks and chapping that can lead to areas that might harbour germs.
Q. Why is the EcoHydra Antimicrobial Hand Lotion so unique?
A. EcoHydra’s Antimicrobial Hand Lotion is a new hand lotion with an antimicrobial agent that destroys up to 99.999% of known microbes instantly, while protecting and softening the skin. It is formulated with the moisturising properties of Aloe Vera to add additional skin conditioning and healing.
Q. How does the EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion kill pathogens?
A. The EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion contains the active ingredient Benzalkonium chloride (BAC). This ingredient has inherent antimicrobial properties and has a well-established safety record – for example, it has been approved by the FDA for use as an active ingredient in the oral cavity. The concentration of BAC in this product (0.1%) is very low, decreasing the possibility of skin irritation. Surfactants are another important component in this hand lotion. They complement the BAC by penetrating the skin to deliver the BAC to attack the pathogens. Aloe Vera and emollients are key in conditioning, soothing, and moisturising the skin to maintain its integrity.
Q. How effective is the EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion against harmful microorganisms?
A. The hand lotion is effective against a wide range of common bacteria and yeast, killing up to 99.999% of disease-causing pathogens in as little as 15-30 seconds.
Q. How long is the EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion effective for?
A. The EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion has residual germ-killing properties that have been shown to remain active and effective against microorganisms long after application, ensuring excellent ongoing protection. However, this residual activity is not permanent and regular re-application of this and/or other EcoHydra® hand sanitisation products should be practised.
Q. How much of the EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion needs to be used?
A. Dispense a sufficient amount to ensure good coverage of the hands.
Q. Can the EcoHydra Antimicrobial Hand Lotion be used as part of a general handwashing protocol for hospital personnel?
A. Yes. 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.
Q. Under what conditions would the EcoHydra Antimicrobial Hand Lotion not be used?
A. This product meets the performance criteria for healthcare personnel antiseptic hand lotions. In addition to healthcare settings, the Hand Lotion may be used in clinical and food settings, as well as for personal hygiene. However, it is intended for use primarily as a lotion rather than as a simple hand sanitiser, for which the EcoHydra Hand Sanitiser is more appropriate. Note that the EcoHydra Hand Lotion is fully compatible with the EcoHydra Hand Sanitiser, and will not neutralise its effectiveness.
Q. What is the shelf life of the EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion?
A. The EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion has a shelf life of three years. We have a symbol on our label which denotes “Use within 18 months of opening”.
Q. What legislation and regulations apply to the EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion?
A. The EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion is governed by the Biocidal Products Directive (EU Regulation 98/8/EC), and thus we are able to make claims on its efficacy.
Q. What specific certification or EN standards does the EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion meet?
A. The EcoHydra® Antimicrobial Hand Lotion complies with the standard certification prEN 12054.