Hand Sanitizer Gels: Classification, Challenges, and the Future of Multipurpose Hand Hygiene Products

Abstract

Hand hygiene is a crucial measure in the prevention and control of infections, and there is a growing awareness among individuals who are making a conscious effort to maintain hand cleanliness. With the advent of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the demand for hand hygiene products has also gradually shifted towards those with antimicrobial properties. Among these products, hand sanitizer gels (HSGs) have gained considerable popularity as an efficient method of hand cleaning, due to their rapid drying and sustained antimicrobial efficacy. Concurrently, there has been a growing interest in novel HSGs that offer additional functions such as skin whitening, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory effects. These novel HSGs effectively address concerns associated with the ingestion of antimicrobial ingredients and demonstrate reduced skin irritation, thereby alleviating hand dermatological issues. This review provides an extensive overview of the application scenarios, classification, and challenges associated with HSGs while emphasizing the emergence of novel components with biological functions, aiming to contribute to the advancement of hand hygiene practices and offer novel insights for the development of novel HSGs with outstanding antimicrobial properties with other multiple biological functions and desirable biosafety profiles.

Development and Characterization of a Hand Rub Gel Produced with Artisan Alcohol (Puntas), Silver Nanoparticles, and Saponins from Quinoa

“…The COVID-19 pandemic generated several requirements for healthcare people; using antibacterial gels for application on the hands was one of the most significant items that healthcare industries generated [1,2]. In this sense, effective materials to prevent the spread of diseases have been evaluated [3,4].…”

“…On the other hand, researches refer to skin toxicity due to high alcohol content [39,40]; in this sense, the use of materials to increase microbiological activity will be the best strategy to reduce the amount of alcohol [2,41]. Some plant extracts have been used to increase microbial activity; for example, a gel developed with extract of coriander (Coriandrum Sativum L.) seeds against Staphylococcus Aureus showed a moderate inhibition category [1]; formulations prepared from natural ingredients that include Aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin, and different essential oils showed an excellent effect on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as an opportunistic pathogenic yeast (C. albicans) [42]; and the use of Calendula officinalis and Aloe vera was well tolerated by the skin, increasing the hydration of the stratum corneum [43].…”