Investigation of the benefits of incorporating sesquiterpenoids in an alcohol-based hand antiseptic: A comparative study of skin health effects on subjects with dry skin and antimicrobial efficacy

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Terpenes have been shown to enhance antimicrobial activity in both hard surface disinfectants and in food safety applications. Particular members of the sesquiterpenoid class of terpenes are also well recognized as having benefits to the skin. The use and acceptance of alcohol-based hand antiseptics in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years. Although many currently marketed alcohol hand antiseptics represent an improvement in efficacy and protection of skin health versus traditional surfactant-based cleansers, they are not formulated with a view toward proactive improvement of skin barrier integrity. A new, moisturizing alcohol-based skin antiseptic has been formulated incorporating sesquiterpenoids, with a view toward enhancing antimicrobial efficacy and also actively promoting improved skin condition upon regular use. METHODS: Antimicrobial efficacy was determined using the glove juice method in a surgical scrub clinical simulation test. Skin condition was evaluated via a 1-week controlled application test on the legs (LCAT) of 44 subjects with mild to moderately dry skin. The test product was evaluated along with four other commercial, alcohol-based hand antiseptics. A lotion was used as positive control and untreated areas as the negative control. Product was applied four times per day for 5 days. The condition of the skin was evaluated prior to treatment and again post treatment on day 5. Determination of skin condition was based on measurements of conductivity (indicative of moisturization), trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) (indicative of skin barrier integrity), and visual assessment by an expert grader. RESULTS: Antimicrobial efficacy of the test product was significantly greater than the comparative products at the 0-hour time point on Day 1 of the clinical simulation test. Consistent efficacy was seen at the 0-hour time point on days 2 and 5. With respect to persistence, the test product showed increased kill at the 6-hour time point (versus 0 hour results) on days 2 and 5. The LCAT test results showed improvement in both moisturization and reduction in TEWL after the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: The sesquiterpenoid containing test product shows superior or equivalent efficacy at all time points in the surgical scrub clinical simulation test. The test product also shows excellent skin compatibility, with improvement in moisturization and reduction in TEWL after 1 week's controlled use.