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The first group consists of cosmetics that have little or no effect against pathogens such as coronaviruses. The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) tested 22 products. Only four remedies, when used correctly, have a certified limited virucidal effect.
For 14 other agents, the verdict was that only a limited virucidal effect can be expected with longer exposure times. For the other four products, the finding was that, in day-to-day circumstances, that product could not be assumed.
“Careful hand washing with warm soapy water also inactivates viruses and bacteria reliably, and the ability to do so is typically available in every home or office,” said Birgit Schiller of the VKI. If you are also looking for a product to go, you should pay attention to the labeling and instructions for use. However: “In our test, 19 of the 22 products were not properly declared.” Products clearly marked as “biocides” are available in grocery stores, bookstores, pharmacies and hardware stores alongside fluffy “hygiene” products, the difference being barely noticeable to customers.
To be effective against enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2, a biocide must have at least a “limited virucidal effect”. It depends on the active ingredient content, the amount of application and the exposure time, which are specified when the claim is correct. The amount should be sufficient to keep the hands covered during the exposure time. The World Health Organization and the German Robert Koch Institute recommend preparations with 80 parts by volume of ethanol or 70 parts by volume of isopropanol (2-propanol), as they can have a limited virucidal effect after only 30 seconds. Media with less alcohol may work, but they take longer, often several minutes, and are therefore less useful in daily life.
According to the VKI, some hand sanitizers also have a reduced effect due to their composition: ingredients such as liquid polymers or glycerin, which is added to skin care, “impair the lethal effect of the biocide.”
To protect against a corona virus smear infection, it was enough to wash your hands more often and carefully with soap and warm water. Using a disinfectant can even be disadvantageous if left on for too short a time or used too little. At worst, this creates space for resistant pathogens to spread. A splash of gel, rubbed in quickly, will hardly have the desired effect.
