The Effect of Different Moisturizers Used in Hydroalcoholic Hand Gels on Skin Moisture
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the most effective formulas in killing germs. The use of hydroalcoholic hand gels, which
is an alcohol-based disinfectant, has increased considerably with the emergence of the Coronavirus. Moisturizing hand gels have been developed with varying needs. In this
study, three different moisturizers (glycerine, isopropyl myristate, monopropylene glycol) were added to different hydroalcoholic hand gels and their moisture values were measured.
Introduction
Hydroalcoholic gels are polymer structures containing high alcohol for disinfection.[1] Hydroalcoholic gels can dry out the skin due to the high alcohol content.[2] To protect
hands, a good hydroalcoholic gel should have preservatives such as glycerine or aloe vera.[3]
Although the use of hydroalcoholic gels in biocidal and hygienic areas has increased over the years, it has gained even more speed during the Covid-19 epidemic. Where access to soap and water is limited, it is recommended to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol to reduce the spread of germs.[4]
Due to being alcohol-based, hand sanitizers are slightly flammable and in some cases can cause skin toxicity. Today, it is observed that the consumption of hand gel causes dryness in our hands when used with frequent daily periods, and therefore, active ingredients with a moisturizing effect are used in the structures of hydroalcoholic hand gels.
Glycerin is a widely used non-toxic and enviromentally friendy moisturizer in cosmetic applications and has a trihydric alcohol structure. It is a versatile chemical and good humectant due to the degree of hydroxyl groups and its high hygroscopicity. It also has an antimicrobial effect. Therefore, it has a wide range of uses.[5]
Isopropyl myristate (IPM) replaces natural oils because it has excellent spreading properties and is easily absorbed by the skin. IPM is also used as a co-solvent.
Monopropylene glycol is a humectant, that is, an ingredient added to cosmetics to increase the retention of moisture in the skin and hair Monopropylene glycol is well tolerated
by the skin and does not cause redness or irritation. Monopropylene glycol (MPG) is transparent, odorless, viscous, and as water-soluble as glycerin. Due to the bitter taste of
MPG, its use in oral care products and lip gloss is limited.[6]
Material and Method
Hydroalcoholic hand gel formulations contain ethyl alcohol, polymer, water and moisturizer, glycerin, isopropyl miristate and monopropylene glycol. Moistener effects are evaluated by a corneometer. MPA 5 (Khazaka, Germany) device is used for these operations. The tests were carried out in a conditioned environment of 20
oC. Corneometer skin moisture can be calculated directly numerically. The basic principle of the method is the strength of the difference between the dielectric constant (81) of water and other substances by measuring the capacitance of a dielectric environment. The change interval for the skin moistening values is 0-130 AU.[6]
[caption id="attachment_134351" align="aligncenter" width="397"]
Figure 1. Khazaka MPA 5 Device.[/caption]
The corneometer measurements were performed directly on the arm before and after applying the hand gel formulation.
Results
Measured moisture values Table 2 is shown in.
The measured corneometer values before application are very close for each of the four formulas. The highest moustening was seen in glycerin and IPM when evaluated after
the application. In hand gel without humidifier, the moisture value after treatment has increased, but at the end of 60 minutes, the moisture value is very close to the initial
value. For formulas containing MPG, glycerin and IPM, the corneometer value is considerably higher than the beginning after 60 minutes.
As a result of the studies and measurements moustening performance was observed that the most successful formulas were hand gel containing glycerin and isopropyl myistate.
References
1. https://www.pharmaexcipients.com/new/hydroalcoholic-gel/ Son Erişim Tarihi: 25.10.2021
2. Leslie, R. A., Zhou, S. S., & Macinga, D. R. (2020). Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by Commercially Available Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers. American Journal of Infection Control.
3. https://www.bestmedicaldiet.com/2020/05/21/hydroalcoholic-gel/?lang=en Son Erişim Tarihi: 25.10.2021
4. http://www.tuba.gov.tr/files/images/2020/kovidraporu/Covid-19%20Raporu-Final%2B.pdf Son Erişim Tarihi: 25.10.2021
5. Fluhr J.W., Bornkessel A. and Berardesca E. (2005). Glycerol- Just a Moisturizer? Biological and Biophysical Effects, in: Loden M and Maibach
(Eds.), Dry Skin and Moisturizers: Chemistry and Function, CRC Press, Boca Raton (FL).
6. Yılmazer, M., Kafadar, B., Saka, B. (2019). Hümektan (Nemlendirici) Özellik Gösteren Gliserin, Propilen Glikol ve Sorbitolun Cilt Üzerindeki Etkileri ve Farkları. Journal of Turkchem.
7. Zuang, V., Rona, C., Distante, F., Berardesca, E. (1997). The Use of a Capacitance Device to Evaluate The Hydration of Human Skin. Journal of Applied Cosmetology, 15: 95-102.
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