Essential Oils That Are Shaping Hand Sanitizers
When COVID-19 exploded into the consumer’s consciousness, washing hands took on greater significance. People without easy access to soap and running water quickly grabbed hand sanitizer. The industry saw a spike in hand sanitizer launches, and some companies adjusted existing equipment to manufacture products to protect their employees and generate revenue. Brands looking to meet consumer trends in wellness and natural products are adding essential oils to sanitizers in order to boost their botanic power.
Brands will want to meet consumer’s demand for protection from germs and bacteria even after the current crisis dissipates.
Efficacy of Hand Sanitizers
While hand sanitizers reduce the risk of infection, they don’t necessarily wipe out viruses. Brands stepped up to develop formulas that kill a broader spectrum of pathogens, including viruses.
For a sanitizer to be effective due to COVID-19, it needs to have a higher level of ethanol alcohol. One disadvantage of alcohol is that it is ineffective once it evaporates from the skin. It can also leave skin dry and chapped. Smart brands began adding moisturizing and humectant elements into the products to decrease irritations and increase longer-lasting effects.
Natural Solutions to the Existing Issues
Brands are moving away from the harmful chemicals that make up traditional hand sanitizers and replacing them with plant extracts that boost microbicidal activity. For example, one company combined 90 to 100 percent ethanol, with plum and turmeric extract, citrus ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts of mussel and tangerine. This skin-friendly solution attacks the germs and reduces skin irritation.
Replacing Synthetic Biocidal Agents with Essential Oils
Alternative solutions to synthetic ingredients include using naturally antimicrobial essential oils to kill bacteria while reducing skin irritations. Natural hand sanitizers will contain some humectant to lock in moisture. The essential oils will also soothe chapped skin and replenish nutrients.
Top Antimicrobial Oils
- Cinnamon and clove are potent oils that help fight the early stages of respiratory infections. Adding lavender or tea tree oil will soften the impact of the oils, especially with children.
- Rosemary oil protects against harmful bacteria and germs. The rosemary oil keeps hands moisturized and soft after each use. Its natural antibacterial properties, coupled with moisturizing oils, leave consumers’ skin glowing, clean, protected, and hydrated.
- Oil of oregano kills bacteria effectively and may help the immune system fight viruses, fungi, and parasites. Combining oregano oil with coconut oil elements creates a natural hand sanitizer, and consumers will love how it keeps hands soft and smooth.
As brands shift their formulas to include the higher level of potency to fight germs and viruses, they are also adding natural oils to moisturize and soothe irritated skin. Consumers receive protection while enjoying the benefits of soft, subtle skin that lasts a long time.