Hi Crafters!
We saw this informative post on Stephenson Personal Care‘s blog the other day and wanted to share it here as it touches on the topic of why soap is the most effective in killing the coronavirus (and other viruses). One true tip that we are sure everyone has heard of since the beginning of the crisis is that washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds is effective in killing the coronavirus.
As explained by Stephenson Personal Care, soap is the best option for personal hygiene and for killing viruses including coronavirus because soapy water destabilizes the virus components and removes it from your skin.
Based on soap science, soap does not need to have any antibacterial additives to be effective, it is important that the hands are washed for at least 20 seconds to kill the virus on the skin, as per this video Ted Ex video here.
Washing hands with soap kills coronavirus
Soap is the most effective against viruses
Gels, disinfectants, wipes and creams containing alcohol (and soap) are alternatives with similar effect, but not to the same effect as regular soap primarily due to destabilisation and removal properties of the virus from the skin. Alcohol-based products include all “disinfectants” and “antibacterial” products containing a high share of alcohol solution, typically 60%-80% ethanol, sometimes with a bit of isopropanol, water and a bit of soap (Guardian reference).
Ethanol and other types of alcohol does dissolve the lipid membrane and disrupt other supramolecular interactions in the virus. Thus, alcohol gels and wipes are good alternatives when soap is not practical or handy and it has to contain alcohol levels of at least 60%.
Also, when it comes to surfaces, the novel coronavirus is thought to stay active on favourable surfaces for hours, day or two. Viruses seem to stay on smooth surfaces for longer like wood, paper and skin and it is recommended to use soap even for easy sanitisation of surfaces as well as skin.
What type of soap is the most effective?
Any soap – regular or artisan soap can kill viruses including coronavirus. Soaps are categorised in ionic and nonionic. Ionic soaps derived using common surfactants are more efficient, while nonionic milder soaps are easier on the skin, as per Eric J. Beckman, Professor of Chemical Engineering statement (Reference).
Ionic soap and syndet bases effectively kill coronavirus
Yes, soap bases sold by Craftiviti (including Stephenson Personal Care soap bases) offer effective cleansing against viruses.
At Craftiviti, we offer high-quality cleansing soaps that can help kill bacteria and viruses on our skin. But unlike commercial soaps which are harsher, making your own DIY soap allows you to control the ingredients you wash your skin with. Also, making your own DIY hand soaps means you can add more moisture or extra essential oil that will protect your skin even more. You can find all the soap bases we have and also purchase them here.
Find the original article here.
Want to know more about making your own soaps at home? Check out these posts of ours!
For Melt & Pour Soap
👉 Commercial Soaps VS Melt & Pour Soaps
👉 Melting Soap Bases – Which Method to Use?
👉 Why you shouldn’t add breast milk (or any fresh ingredient) to Melt and Pour Soap Bases
👉 Four Butters You Can Add to Your Melt & Pour Soap
👉 Soap Sweat and How to Fix It
👉 Guide for Adding Honey to Melt and Pour Soap
👉 Why You Should Use Honey Soap Base for Super Easy and Beneficial Honey Soaps
Some Recipes for Melt & Pour Soap
👉 DIY Chamomile and Green Tea Organic Melt and Pour Soap
👉 DIY Melt and Pour Anti-Acne African Black Body Soap
👉 DIY Cool Peppermint Aloe Vera Soap
👉 Make Shower Time Great Again with Jelly Soap
👉 DIY Soothing, Nourishing and Moisturizing Solid Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth
Other Covid-related posts here:
👉 Are Natural Hand Sanitizers as Effective as Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers?
👉 How to Dilute 99.8% Isopropyl Alcohol to 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
👉 Do Essential Oils Help Kill Viruses?
Craftiviti 