● Developed by dermatologists with a deep understanding of skin care and patient requirements.
● Eliminates 99.99% of common household germs and viruses, including SARS-COV-2, upon application.
● Remains effective for 24 hours, even after handwashing, minimizing the need for frequent reapplication.
DS Skin Clinic and its global network of clinics have introduced the DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer. This innovative product is engineered to outperform existing hand sanitizers available in the market.
The DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer is conveniently packaged in spray bottles.
DS Skin Clinic emphasizes that a high-quality hand sanitizer is crucial for a comprehensive protection strategy. This includes measures such as social distancing, thorough handwashing, frequent hand sanitizing, mask-wearing, and avoiding touching the face. Recognizing that handwashing facilities are not always readily available, a reliable hand sanitizer that effectively disinfects hands throughout the day is essential in minimizing the risk of SARS-COV-2 transmission.
“As a dermatologist, I recognize the importance of a good hand sanitizer for our patients. It needs to be effective, long-lasting, and gentle on the skin. We were surprised to discover that finding a product that met all these criteria was a challenge," stated Dr. Henry Loh, Chairman & Executive Director of RMH Holdings.
“This prompted DS Skin Clinic to develop its own unique formula, designed to meet the needs of individuals returning to public spaces after lockdown. As we navigate public transportation, offices, and various locations, we encounter surfaces like elevator buttons, railings, and door handles that may have been touched by infected individuals, increasing our exposure to the SARS-COV-2 virus.”
“An effective hand sanitizer needs to eliminate germs while remaining gentle on the skin. From the outset, we prioritized the development of a hand sanitizer that protected the skin from dehydration, irritation, and the effects of prolonged use,” highlighted Dr. Coni Liu, Consultant Dermatologist at DS Skin Clinic.
During the product launch, Dr. Liu explained that her usual advice to patients had been to avoid excessive handwashing to prevent damage to the skin barrier. However, with the emergence of COVID-19, she has adjusted her recommendations, acknowledging that “the risk of COVID outweighs skin integrity.”
“Maintaining hand hygiene is more critical now than ever,” she emphasized.
She noted a surge in patients with hand rashes and eczema flare-ups starting in April, coinciding with the increased need for hand sanitization. Cases of atopic dermatitis, itchy blisters, and allergies to essential oils have also been on the rise, with some individuals developing eczema later in life.
Dr. Liu pointed out that, surprisingly, washing hands with soap and water can be harsher on the skin than using alcohol-based sanitizers. She advises using soap after restroom use and before and after meals, while sanitizers are more suitable after contact with surfaces like elevator buttons or door handles.
She reassured that the new sanitizer is safe for individuals with eczema, based on positive feedback from her patients who have used it without issue. Larger-scale studies are being planned for the future.
During their search for a superior hand sanitizer, DS Skin Clinic identified shortcomings in existing commercial products. While concentrated alcohol-based sanitizers are effective in rapidly eliminating germs, they can dehydrate the skin. Alcohol-free alternatives, while gentler, tend to be less effective, requiring up to an hour to act, as explained by Dr. Richard Seow (PhD), CEO of RMH Holdings and Chief Scientific Officer at DS Skin Clinic. These slower-acting sanitizers are more appropriate for disinfecting surfaces.
A common limitation of both alcohol-based and alcohol-free sanitizers is their short-lived effect. Once the sanitizer dries, the skin becomes susceptible to germs upon contact with contaminated surfaces until the product is reapplied. DS Skin Clinic highlighted that alcohol’s solubility makes it easily washed off.
The DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer offers a rapid and effective solution for killing the SARS-COV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. It provides long-lasting protection, remaining active for 24 hours after application, while remaining gentle on the skin. This groundbreaking product is the culmination of collaborative efforts between DS Skin Clinic’s dermatologists, leveraging their skincare expertise, and the in-house research and development team.
“These combined benefits make this product stand out in the current market,” stated Dr. Seow.
He further suggested that the sanitizer is suitable for disinfecting smartphone screens, keyboards, and doorknobs. Dr. Liu shared her personal use of the sanitizer on her phone, bag, and hands, reapplying it after using the restroom and performing surgeries.
Effective
Singapore’s National Environment Agency recommends concentrations of 70% ethyl alcohol and 0.05% benzalkonium chloride for effective sanitization against coronaviruses. The DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer surpasses these recommendations with 75% ethyl alcohol and 0.1% benzalkonium chloride. Independent testing by Eurofins, a German laboratory, confirms its high efficacy and rapid action in eliminating 99.99% of common household germs and viruses.
Lasts up to 24 hours
The DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer provides continuous protection for up to 24 hours after a single application. This all-day efficacy is achieved through a skin-friendly, non-greasy waterproofing polymer film that forms on the skin as the alcohol evaporates. This protective barrier prevents the active ingredients from being washed away, ensuring long-lasting protection against germs.
“This all-day protection is made possible by encapsulating 0.1% benzalkonium chloride (BKC), a highly effective antimicrobial, within a polymer. As the alcohol evaporates, it creates a thin, waterproof, and disinfecting layer on the skin, preventing the BKC from being washed off. This protection lasts for 24 hours, even with light handwashing*,” explained Dr. Seow.
Dr. Seow referenced Eurofins data demonstrating the superior performance of the DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer, which showed near-zero germ counts 24 hours after application. In contrast, a competitor brand containing alcohol had over 5 million germs after the same duration, while a non-alcohol competitor had over 0.5 million germs.
Gentle on skin
Recognizing the potential for skin irritation with repeated sanitizer use, DS Skin Clinic incorporated a vitamin C-based emollient oil and glycerin into the formula. These ingredients help to moisturize the skin, preventing dryness and irritation associated with frequent application.
“Many antimicrobial agents are too harsh for the skin,” cautioned Dr. Seow, citing the example of strong disinfectants used for floors, which are effective in killing germs but unsuitable for use on the skin.
“From a business standpoint, this presents a unique opportunity due to the lack of comparable products both locally and globally,” observed Dr. Loh.
The US CDC advocates for the use of alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) to effectively reduce pathogens on the hands of healthcare professionals following brief contact with patients or the healthcare environment. They recommend using ABHR containing more than 60% ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or 70% isopropanol.
DS Skin Clinic (Dermatology & Surgery Skin Clinic and its international group of clinics) is a private dermatology practice based in Singapore. They offer a comprehensive range of services for skin, hair, and nail conditions, including surgical, laser, and aesthetic procedures. Their offerings include Mohs Micrographic Surgery. All dermatologists at DS Skin Clinic are specialists accredited by the Singapore Ministry of Health and listed under the Specialist Registry.
Details:
The made-in-Thailand DS Skin Clinic All-Day Hand Sanitizer is available in a convenient 45 ml spray bottle at S$15 per refillable bottle. Bulk purchases of 10 bottles are available at S$99 per box from any of DS Skin Clinic’s four branches in Singapore:
Orchard Paragon (Level 7 and Level 17)
290 Orchard Road, #07-11/12 Paragon
Singapore 238859Parkway East
319 Joo Chiat Place, #05-01 Parkway East Medical Centre
Parkway East Hospital
Singapore 427989
and
- Shenton
#14-01 Income@raffles
No. 16 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049318
The hand sanitizer will soon be available in Hong Kong with the upcoming opening of the multidisciplinary, specialist Queen’s Road Medical Centre. It is also accessible online at www.dsclinic.com.sg and will be available at partner clinics in Singapore and their online stores starting in August.
Larger formats containing 250 to 500 liters for home and office use are being explored, along with the possibility of collaborating with manufacturers in Japan to enhance supply chain flexibility.
Hashtags: #dsSanitizer, #dsFightsCOVID
*Mild handwashing refers to rinsing hands with water, without using detergents or soaps. Dr. Seow recommends reapplying the hand sanitizer after washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.