What is the science of using hand wash instead of soap?

Bahadur Singh
3 min readJun 18, 2021

--

When covid-19 was introduced to the world, the most important hygienic habit that everyone was suggested to follow is hand washing. It’s proven that washing hands for around 20 seconds can help to fight many viruses and germs. Moreover, hand wash is one of the leading precautionary measures for preventing covid-19. But the debate is whether you should use soap or a liquid hand wash is enough? Many people prefer soap to hand wash but the fact is both are effective. In such a case, it is hard to decide which choice to go with. Read below what scientists found in the use of both in hand washing.

Effectiveness and Cleanliness

We already told you that liquid hand washes and bar soap, both are great in terms of effectiveness. Soap bars are being used for a long time but nowadays, liquid hand washes are replacing them. Some people consider that bar soaps when used by an ill person if used by someone else then it can spread the bacteria.

When scientists studied, they didn’t found any evidence regarding the spread of a disease from one person to another. However, the risks of sharing bar soaps are there when you are visiting a public bath club. And to feel comfortable, you can use liquid hand wash rather than bar soap.

While using a bar soap or liquid hand wash, the friction between your hands helps in removing the dirt too along with killing microbes. And keep in mind that both attack bacteria and germs in the same ways.

Environment Friendliness

Soaps are prepared using animal fat combined with an alkali like lye. But liquid soaps are made with emulsifying agents and are petroleum-based. On the other hand, carbon footprints of liquid hand washes are higher than bar soap.

It takes five times more energy in manufacturing and all than bar soaps. This was evaluated by a Swiss study in 2009. It was found that the carbon footprint of liquid hand washes is 25% bigger than bar soaps. So, is there any liquid hand wash product, which is environmentally friendly? Yes, there is in the form of Medimix neem hand wash.

Fragrance-Free

In the market, you will find liquid hand washes filled with fragrances. The only exception we know is Medimix neem hand wash. It contains zero fragrance and is healthy for any skin type. Washing hands with it will have no side effects. It is completely formulated with ayurvedic ingredients. Moreover, it keeps your skin soft no matter how many times you wash your hands. In comparison to bar soaps having high pH levels and several chemicals, Medimix herbal hand wash has an appropriate pH value that suits every skin type.

Final Words

As you can see, both are great at preventing diseases protecting your family. But the end choice will be yours and if you are concerned for your skin, better to choose the liquid handwash over soap.

--

--