High requirements for the effectiveness of disinfection and hygiene products against various microorganisms often push the safety of these products for people and the environment into the background. For example, disinfectant soap may contain components such as guanidines, substances whose properties and potential effects have poorly studied long-term consequences. Preliminary findings indicate that PHMG and its derivatives primarily damage cell membranes. Since 1 February 2013, the European Commission has banned the use of PHMG in all applications in the countries of the European Union.
The presence in soaps and antiseptics of components such as QACs, tertiary amines, phenol derivatives and phenoxyethanol carries a potential hazard: when applied to the skin, they can cause allergic contact dermatitis and worsen the condition of people suffering from eczema; triclosan is a hormonally active substance and can cause problems with endocrine regulation and fertility, has a negative effect on the brain of unborn children, is also destructive to the immune system and causes allergies.
In its work, Klinin always strives to use innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, relying on the principles of safety and effectiveness in the formulations of its products. When deciding to introduce disinfectant soap into the range, Klinin's developers relied on the experience of European research and leaned towards safer alternatives wherever possible. This is especially important when products are used professionally: they must be suitable for frequent use and comply with all legal requirements.
As an alternative to the biocides traditionally used in skin hygiene formulations, lactic acid can be used – an effective, safe and environmentally friendly component of natural origin. Lactic acid is also produced by the human body during glucose metabolism, i.e. it is an important component of biochemical reactions. This substance is also used in the food industry, for example in salad dressings and confectionery, and it is found in infant milk formulas.
The effectiveness of lactic acid in combination with various surfactants against bacteria has been studied on the basis of challenge test protocols established in the European Union, including the quantitative suspension test for evaluating the basic bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics, EN 1040. Lactic acid showed the same results with both sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES): all the bacteria used in the test were killed. Both anionic surfactants enhance the action of lactic acid, which makes it possible to claim the desired disinfecting properties for such formulations. In Russia, Nonsid Des has also been tested for effectiveness against microorganisms such as E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. typhimurium, C. albicans and T. mentagrophytes, which confirms its disinfecting properties.
The properties of lactic acid are in wide demand in the cosmetics industry. Firstly, it is a gentle keratolytic, i.e. it promotes gentle exfoliation of dead cells from the skin surface, producing a refreshing and smoothing effect. Secondly, in cosmetic and hygiene compositions, lactic acid acts as a pH regulator, which among other things helps avoid drying out the skin. Maintaining a slightly acidic pH is also particularly important for intimate hygiene, since at a pH above 4.5 favourable conditions are created for the occurrence and development of various infections.
Thirdly, lactic acid is part of the so-called natural moisturising factor of the skin (NMF), a set of molecules in the stratum corneum responsible for retaining moisture within the skin; it can therefore be said that using products with lactic acid promotes natural skin hydration. Another advantage of lactic acid is that it is fully biodegradable in nature and is obtained by fermentation from natural and renewable raw materials, namely the fermentation of starch by lactic acid bacteria. All this allows lactic acid to be classified as a “green” component.
The Nonsid Des formulation also includes alkyl polyglucoside (APG), which does not irritate the skin and, when used together with conventional surfactants, can reduce the irritation caused by other surfactants. In addition, APG is an environmentally friendly, fully biodegradable non-ionic surfactant; it is non-toxic and gentle on the skin, as it is made from natural raw materials: glucose obtained from maize and fatty alcohols from coconut and palm oils.
Allantoin acts as a moisturising and anti-inflammatory component in the Nonsid Des composition, as it soothes irritated skin in cases of itching and atopic dermatitis, accelerates the healing of damaged skin and mucous tissues, and stimulates cell renewal and proliferation (division). Scientists note the ability of allantoin to improve the division of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for synthesising collagen fibres.
Nonsid Des contains no dyes or fragrances, as Klinin sees no need to overload formulations with additional ingredients that may pose health risks.
In conclusion, Nonsid Des disinfectant liquid soap meets the high requirements of professional hygiene, while its high-quality, carefully selected ingredients help preserve the health and beauty of the skin.
References
- “Lactic acid – an environmentally friendly alternative for bacterial disinfection”, F. Weyer, Jun gbunzlauer Ladenburg GmbH, Germany, M. Neubauer, Jungbunzlauer International AG, Switzerland. Translation of the article in the journal “Raw Materials and Packaging for Perfumery, Cosmetics and Household Chemicals”, 31.03.2020
- “On the toxicity of preparations based on quaternary ammonium compounds”, Subbotina O.G., Donnik I.M., Vyalykh I.V., journal “Veterinaria Kubani” No. 6, 2013.
- Dann A.B., Hontela A. «Triclosan: Environmental exposure, toxicity and mechanisms of action» // J. Appl. Toxicol. 2011 N 31
- «Pro le of wound healing process induced by allantoin» Lorena Ulhôa Araújo 1, Andrea Grabe-Guimarães, Vanessa Carla Furtado Mosqueira, Claudia Martins Carneiro, Neila Márcia Silva-Barcellos
- «Treatment of pruritus in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis with a topical non-steroidal agent» Stefano Veraldi 1, Paolo De Micheli, Rossana Schianchi, Luisa Lunardon