As the number of contaminations explodes, we can only insist on respecting barrier gestures. Among them, hand washing or, when this is not possible, the use of hydroalcoholic gel is an important gesture because it makes it possible to break the chain of contamination. In the case of the biocidal gel, what are the criteria that confirm its effectiveness against the Covid-19 virus? Can you make it yourself?
According to ANSES, the National Health Security Agency, the effectiveness of a hydroalcoholic gel depends on the ethanol (alcohol) content of the product. In its opinion of June 8, 2020, it states that this concentration must be greater than 60%. Above 60% ethanol, the solution can kill viruses, bacteria and fungi, including the coronavirus.
However, this note from ANSES states different opinions which recommend an ethanol content of 70% to 75% . The hydroalcoholic gel must also contain glycerin and oxygen peroxide in well-defined proportions and framework, in particular because glycerin is highly flammable.
So that the product can be effective against viruses , ANSES imposes the EN 14476 standard . Mention of this standard must appear on the packaging or bottle. Only in this case, the brand of the product can display a message like “virucidal” or “kills viruses”.
Several brands have already been the subject of a product recall and a marketing ban because the ethanol content in their gels was lower than 60 %:Hand Sanitizer" by Symex brand and "Hygienizante" by On Demox brand.
So, in order to avoid this type of incident, and to mitigate a possible crisis of stocks of hygiene products (gel, gowns, masks, etc.), the company Mirakl has set up a platform:stopcovid19.fr. The objective is to meet the needs of communities, hospitals, schools, pharmacies and businesses; and an appeal from the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Since the ANSES note is dated June 2020, professionals have only had three months until then, counting the summer holidays, to change their stocks of hydroalcoholic gels following the request for a minimum content of 60 to 70% in ethanol.
Many brands of supposedly virucidal gels then had to review the composition of their products to manufacture new ones in record time, when we were barely out of a generalized confinement which had paralyzed France for two months.
Some, like Kleengel, seek to communicate more about the quality of their products and demonstrate their effectiveness in the fight against Covid-19. Indeed, many theories have ignited social networks and conversations in recent months, including the one that hydroalcoholic gels are not virucidal but only bactericidal.
Brands offering virucidal gels must therefore redouble their efforts to make it understood that these products are effective against viruses, like Kleengel whose product kills in particular those of influenza A, gastroenteritis, and SARS. Their products are used in hospitals and certified by a COFRAC accredited French laboratory. Made in France, the gel is moisturizing, it does not stick and does not dry out the skin. Its effectiveness is fourfold:bactericidal, yeasticidal, fungicidal and virucidal in 30 seconds.
As a reminder, the ANSM recommends using the gel on clean hands (not soiled) and to respect a friction time of at least thirty seconds until the hands are dry.
Since March 2020, pharmacists have been authorized to manufacture hydroalcoholic gels in their pharmacies. A document has been provided by ANSES to regulate this production, but it is intended for cosmetics manufacturers.
Indeed, it is essential to respect a specific framework for mixing chemical elements because they can react. If you do not have the knowledge, the chemist's panoply and an impeccable sanitary environment, it is therefore strongly not recommended to start producing a homemade hydroalcoholic gel.
Glycerin, one of the components of the gel, is highly flammable for example. This is why most cosmetic products are prohibited in luggage when flying.
In summary, it is better to avoid touching your face before you can wash your hands with soap and water rather than try this experiment.
