HAND SANITIZER: keys, wallet, mask…and sanitizer!
If hand sanitizer was previously used in particular, such as on the subway, today it becomes necessary to wash hands and use alcohol-based disinfectants to reduce virus transmission more frequently. The product, however, must be rethought and innovated!
COVID-19 AND HAND CARE
For Hand Care producers, it is definitely the right time to innovate and experiment with new sanitizing solutions in line with new needs and lifestyles.
Which pluses to add to the hand sanitizing gels currently on the market? Moreover, which evaluations to implement to support innovation and efficacy?
Mérieux NutriSciences CosmeticLAB integrated and multi-tool approach exploits the synergies of different techniques.
INNOVATIVE PACKAGING
No longer just small vials, but real accessories to always carry with us, comfortable and practical to use. Some of the products already available on the international level and are designed to be small gadgets to attach to the keychain, rechargeable like liquid soaps – and therefore environmentally friendly – while others are sprays and look like a smartphone.
How to meet consumer needs for a pocket design accessory
The idea. Qualitative analysis to identify the right idea.
The format. Quantitative analysis to choose the best packaging solution.
SUGGESTIVE SCENTS
The scent of a hand sanitizing gel is another of the most impacting characteristics for this type of product, since it is used very often and the scent remains on the hands for a long time. How can we capture a preference for a perfume? How can we understand what can be the best emotional fragrances to associate with a product that has to be perceived as safe and that must protect our health? Emotions and sensations always play a key role and we can measure them in order to communicate them at their best, and associate the right scent to the product.
Consumer emotions and preferences
The liking. Identification of liking scores expressed for different fragrances.
Emotions. Emotional profile.
HYGIENE AND PROTECTION
Of course, the hygiene and protection properties guaranteed by traditional sanitizers must always be guaranteed and remain unchanged.
In vitro testing to evaluate the disinfectants and antiseptics properties of the product
Virucide. Virucidal efficacy test on hygienic hand rub and hand wash – EN 14476.
Bactericide. Bactericidal and fungicidal efficacy test on hygienic hand rub and hand wash – EN 1276.
Disinfectant properties. Efficacy test on volunteers (handrub) – EN 1500.
DON’T FORGET THE HAND CARE & SAFETY
Usually sanitizing gels tend to dry the hand skin more and since the frequency of use has increased, it is clear that the formulation also needs to be re-thought and lightened.
In vivo evaluation to take care of your hands
TEWL – Trans Epidermal Water Loss. Maintaining homeostasis properties of the skin barrier.
Deep hydration. The hydration level in the surface layer permits to maintain the right biophysical properties and function of the skin barrier.
Skin microbiome equilibrium. Dry and sensitive skin is one of the condition that could alter the balance of microbiota and make the skin more exposed to external attacks.
Dermatological evaluation. In use evaluation under dermatological control with clinical score to assess dryness, skin flaking, irritation and redness after repeated daily applications.
Skin compatibility. The Patch Test in occlusion confirms the absence of irritation after single application – under more severe conditions than normal use – of a cosmetic product. It is performed by a dermatologist on a panel of healthy volunteers with normal or sensitive skin.
