Is Your Alcohol Handrub as Professional as You Are?

The professional-grade isopropyl alcohol handrub was tested for its capability of maintaining skin hydration in a clinical study called a forearm controlled application test (FCAT), along with a household-grade ethyl alcohol handrub. In this one-day study, technicians applied the two test products to marked sites on the forearms of human volunteers. Skin hydration was evaluated prior to the application of the test products (baseline) and at one and two hours after one application of each product. The professional-grade isopropyl alcohol handrub demonstrated an increase in skin hydration for up to two hours after one application. There was a loss of skin hydration at both one and two hours after the application of the household-grade ethyl alcohol handrub. Figure 2 illustrates the results of the study.

The Moisturizing Factor

A professional-grade alcohol handrub can enhance skin health by adding moisture to the skin. The professional-grade isopropyl alcohol handrub was tested in a second FCAT clinical study for its moisturizing capability competing with skin lotions commonly used in healthcare facilities. During the one-day treatment phase, trained technicians applied the test products twice to one of five sites designated on the forearms of the volunteers. One hour after application, evaluations of the moisture added to the skin were conducted. The results demonstrated that the professional-grade isopropyl alcohol handrub contributed significant moisturization to the skin that was comparable or superior to the skin care lotions. See Figure 3 for results.