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Both cosmetics and biocidal agents, which are alcohol-based hand disinfectants, can exhibit antibacterial and disinfectant effects. However, there are significant differences between these two categories of products that every consumer should be aware of in order to make a conscious purchase.
According to the definition, a cosmetic product is one that is intended to come into contact with the external parts of the human body, whose sole or primary purpose is to keep them clean, perfume them, change their appearance, protect them, keep them in good condition or correct the scent. The secondary effect of cosmetics may be antibacterial or a reduction in the number of microorganisms. Although cosmetic products often undergo tests confirming the effectiveness of antibacterial activity, this cannot be communicated on the label as the product’s main function. In the case of cosmetics, it is admissible to inform of the product’s antibacterial properties, which involve inhibiting the growth of bacteria or reducing their number. However, this will be a secondary effect of the cosmetic – when searching for a given product in a store, the label or advertising materials will greet us with a message regarding care, cleansing or hygiene, which is in accordance with the 30 November 2009 Regulation of the European Parliament and Council (EC) No. 1223/2009.
Biocidal products include alcohol-based hand disinfectants with bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal and disinfecting properties. Due to the current epidemiological situation and simplified registration procedures, many biocidal products of questionable quality have appeared on the market. High-quality products are subjected to specialized tests confirming their biocidal effectiveness in accordance with the methodology described in specific standards. Such tests, depending on the product’s spectrum of activity, must comply with European standards such as: EN 13727, EN 1500, EN 13624 or EN 14476. Biocidal products often have specific recommendations concerning their use, e.g. leaving the preparation on the skin for a longer time. Additionally, compared to cosmetics, biocidal products (alcohol-based hand sanitizers) in Poland are authorized by the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocides. Biocidal products are used for hand disinfecting or sanitizing, while cosmetics are intended for care and daily hygiene.
Therefore, these two product groups differ in their intended purpose, method of use, declared effects, documentation and registration procedures. In addition, the packaging of a biocidal product will contain the authorization number and information regarding the active substance used, while in the case of cosmetics, the list of ingredients preceded by the word “Ingredients”. In our product portfolio you will find both a line of cosmetics with antibacterial properties, and Anti-Bacter biocidal products, characterized by the highest quality, evidenced by both research and the growing recognition of consumers.
