For almost a year now, the use of hydroalcoholic products has been part of our daily routine, several times a day. During an inspection campaign, the first results of which were published in mid-November 2020, the French DGCCRF analysed 162 gels: 73% were non-compliant, and 35% dangerous! Estelle Dehier, from Labosphère, therefore takes stock of this type of product, in order to untangle the true from the false about them, to recall the various controls carried out by the authorities and the skin consequences of their use.
Reminder of some definitions according to AFNOR
Antiseptic
According to the AFNOR NF T 72 10 1 standard, an antiseptic is a product or process used for antisepsis under defined conditions. If the product or process is selective, this must be specified. Thus, an antiseptic with an action limited to fungi is designated by: antiseptic with fungicidal action.
According to CEN/TC 216 Working Group WG1 (Medical Applications), an antiseptic is a substance or preparation which permits the treatment of living tissues, by killing or inhibiting bacteria, fungi or spores and/or inactivating viruses, with the intention of preventing or limiting the severity of an infection on these tissues.
Bactericide
Product or process with the property of killing bacteria under defined conditions (AFNOR, CEN).
Bacteriostatic
Product or process with the property of temporarily inhibiting bacteria under defined conditions (AFNOR).
Biocide
Active substances and preparations containing one or more active substances, intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, prevent the action of, or otherwise control harmful organisms by chemical or biological action (Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market).
Disinfectant
Product or process used for disinfection under defined conditions. If the product …
