Consumers are currently wondering how they can protect themselves and their families from infection with the coronavirus. Among other things, there is uncertainty about how the viruses can be transmitted. According to the current state of knowledge and relying on the findings of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), the experts at the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) assume that a transmission by cosmetic products is unlikely.
In its current catalogue of questions and answers on the corona virus, the BfR assumes that, in addition to the so-called droplet infection, the pathogens can also be transmitted via smear infections. Here, pathogens that are on the hands get to the mucous membranes of the nose or eye, where they can lead to an infection. Due to the relatively low stability of corona viruses in the environment, this is only likely to occur in the limited period after contamination.
Even if it is unlikely that viruses can be transmitted via objects and surfaces, the experts at IKW recommend to follow the basic rules of everyday hygiene when handling cosmetic products and provide additional guidance to disclose to consumers:
• Regular and thorough hand washing with soap or syndet protects against smear infections
• Decorative cosmetics such as mascara, eye shadows or lipsticks and also so-called “open” products such as cream jars should not be used jointly
• Reach into in a cream jar only with thoroughly cleaned fingers. It is best to use a clean spatula to remove it
• For liquid products (hand wash gels, liquid soaps or skin care lotions), prefer dispensers with pumps or bottles with …
