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Check the standard on the bottle
Turn your bottle over and look at its composition; these 3 standards must appear, otherwise your product is not effective.
Standard EN1275: it indicates that the gel kills fungi.
Standard EN1040: it indicates that the gel kills bacteria.
Standard EN14476 (+A1): it indicates that the gel kills viruses. "A1" is specifically dedicated to coronaviruses.
The more it can do, the less it can do: if standards EN14476 or EN 14476 + A1 are present, it means that the product also destroys bacteria and fungi, but in the case of coronavirus, this is really the standard that interests us.
Check the gel's composition
Alcohol content
Your gel should theoretically contain between 70% and 75% alcohol (ethanol). Be careful, very often on your bottle this indication is written by volume: you will see the mention "ethanol 65% V/V". In the case where the two letters V/V are found, the percentage must not fall below 65%.
Moisturizing agents
Hydroalcoholic gel is a very volatile solvent, and when applied in large quantities, ethanol has a degreasing effect on the skin. Given its hygroscopic properties, it absorbs water and leaves the skin dry and chapped. Using a gel very rich in glycerin or other glycols (propylene glycol, pentylene glycol, etc.) can counteract these harmful effects. Glycerol, better known as glycerin, is naturally present in our bodies. It is also an energy source for our organisms. Glycerin is obtained from saponification, that is, soap making. Glycerin can be of animal, petroleum, or vegetable origin. Glycerin can retain several times its weight in water, which makes it an essential moisturizing active ingredient. Its role is to attract water from high-humidity areas to lower-humidity areas. Basically, it draws tap water towards the skin. Glycerin's properties smooth the skin, improve its elasticity, normalize desquamation, and soften it. Combined with the superfatting agents in our products, it forms the ultimate protection for our little ones' skin.
A very short formula
The more ingredients there are, the greater the risks. This rule applies to all product choices for children: a maximum of 10 ingredients.
Fragrance-free
Hydroalcoholic gel damages the skin barrier of the hands. Perfume very often contains allergens (see article on allergens in skincare products). Perfumes and alcohols do not mix well: alcohol facilitates the penetration of perfumes into the skin.
Thus, a gel containing fragrance could cause contact dermatitis, and even cause more serious allergies.
Bad taste
In 2009, the ANSM reported "248 cases of exposure to hydroalcoholic hand wash products causing symptoms," most often in children under 4 years old. Two-thirds had ingested the product, notably causing burns.
The same year, the Revue Prescrire reported the story of three little girls aged 2 to 4, found in a state of intoxication after swallowing such a solution!
It is recommended to use hydroalcoholic gels with a bad taste rather than gels based on flavors (lemon, strawberry, banana).
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Alternatives
Did you know that it's not just alcohol that is effective against microorganisms? Some molecules are too. There are also alcohol-free disinfectant care products, generally based on lactic acid and offering many advantages. Indeed, they are gentler on children's hands and can be 100% natural in origin: Hygios - disinfectant foam. They are therefore perfectly suited for children from 18 months onwards. However, it is always important to check that the product meets the EN14476/EN 14476 A1 standard.
If you have any questions, please feel free to send a message on our website or contact us by email at: coucou@lilikiwi.fr. We will be happy to answer you quickly!