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. 2020 May 11;17(9):3326. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17093326

Table 4.

Mechanism of action of alcohols and non-alcohol compounds.

Ingredient Function Remarks
Alcohol-Based
Alcohol Denatures protein and lipid membrane of microorganisms. Optimum concentration 60%–95%.
Hydrogen peroxide Inactivates contaminating spores in the bulk solutions or excipients.

  • Concentration is as low as 3%.

  • May fade the coloring agent

  • Corrosive in nature
Non-Alcohol Based
Chlorhexidine gluconate Inhibits the growth of microorganisms on living tissues.

  • Good activity

    • o

      Gram-positive bacteria

    • o

      Enveloped viruses a

  • Weak activity

    • o

      Gram-negative bacteria

    • o

      Fungi

    • o

      Non-enveloped viruses b
Chloroxylenol

  • Good activity

    • o

      Gram-positive bacteria

    • o

      Gram-negative

    • o

      Enveloped viruses

  • Weak activity

    • o

      Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Iodine/Iodophors

  • Gram-positive bacteria

  • Gram-negative bacteria

  • Fungi

  • Enveloped viruses

  • Spore-forming bacteria c
Quaternary ammonium compounds

  • Benzalkonium chloride

  • Benzethonium chloride

  • Cetylpyridinium chloride

  • Good activity

    • o

      Gram-positive bacteria

    • o

      Enveloped viruses

  • Weak activity

    • o

      Gram-negative bacteria

    • o

      Mycobacteria

    • o

      Fungi
Triclosan

  • Good activity

    • o

      Gram-positive bacteria

    • o

      Mycobacteria

    • o

      Candida spp.

  • Weak activity

    • o

      Filamentous fungi
Excipients
Glycerol Acts as a humectant that maintains the skin moisture. A lower concentration is considered to reduce the stickiness of the formulation.
Essential oils Antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties,
Flavoring agent
Xanthum gum, polyacrylic acid and polyethylene glycol Thickening agents To enhance the viscosity of products
Fragrance and colorant Aesthetic

  • Aesthetic

  • Allows differentiation from other fluids.

 May cause allergic reactions.

a herpes simplex virus, influenza, HIV, cytomegalovirus; b enterovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus; c Clostridium spp., Bacillus spp.