Washing your hands is one of the best defenses you have against infections. When you wash your hands, you can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related illnesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections such as a cold or flu.

It is estimated that washing hands with soap and water could reduce diarrheal disease-associated deaths by up to 50%. Researchers in London estimate that if everyone routinely washed their hands, a million deaths a year could be prevented. Only 5% of people wash their hands correctly and with the right soap. So here we show you the comparison of Hand wash and Liquid soap in Pakistan and how you can benefit from it.

1-LIQUID SOAP IN PAKISTAN

Generally, liquid soap is a product of natural origin as it is biodegradable and non-toxic. Soaps are made from the natural reaction between fats, water, and alkaline. Usually, soap is formed by the combination of ash (alkaline), water, and plant or animal oil (fats). Soap forms a foamy lather that appears in rivers near the decayed plant materials or animal sacrifices. Firstly, the lather formed can be used as a cleaner of cotton and wool in the textile industry before it was used as a skin cleanser. Liquid soaps are made by mixing alkaline solutions like Potash (Potassium Hydroxide) with natural oils.

• Chemicals in liquid soap

In modern liquid soaps, the ingredient list extends far beyond fats and bases. Below is a list of the seven most common ingredients in liquid soap, along with their functions.

• Sodium Lauret Sulfate
• Sodium Benzoate and Benzoic Acid
• Methlisotiazolinone
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Fragrance
• pH Adjusters
• Dyes

b-Research conducted on Liquid Soap

These are beneficial due to their hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecular structure and helps in eliminating and destabilizing the pathogens. A study conducted in 2007 by Harvard Health found that the molecular structure of soap best performs the function of antibacterial hand wash thus, protecting the microbiome of the skin. A study by Professor Donald at Rutgers University, New Jersey founded that liquid soap is more beneficial in performing its function of bacterial removal from the skin rather than the handwash.

c-Benefits of Liquid Soap

Liquid soaps have naturally occurring glycerin that are highly moisturizing. They tend to keep the area tidier and cleaner. They also have added moisturizers in them to prevent the hands from drying. Another bonus advantage is the addition of varieties of scents to be added in the liquid soaps. Liquid soaps prevent the spread of germs. Usually, liquid soap is more costly than other soaps. Foaming liquid soaps are not that effective because they are more dispensed as sudsy whereas the liquid soap works in a manner of lather that encourages handwashing more effectively.

d-Liquid Soap and its Impact on Environment

Liquid soaps in Pakistan have an impact on the marine environment by discharging the wastewater to the areas that are less characterized due to the limited exchange of water, but they do not have any impact on the running water that has regular water flow. Viewing the environmental impact, liquid soap production requires 20 times more energy for packaging and 5 times more energy for raw materials.

2-HAND WASH IN PAKISTAN

Handwash is a product of synthetic origin and is classified as a detergent. It is made from petroleum-derived surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and other chemicals. All the petrochemicals and the synthetics are combined to produce a basic detergent that can be made into handwash, car cleaning detergent, or dishwashing detergent. It can be quickly and easily manufactured as compared to soap and is cheaper. Hand wash can mimic the soap functions and have more efficacy but cannot replicate the benefits of natural raw materials.

• Petrochemical based Handwashes

Petrochemical based handwashes have colorants and synthetic fragrances in them. Handwash contains contact allergens that damage our skin. These handwashes make our skin dry due to their heavy processing, chemical structure, and petroleum content in them causes handwash to be harsher than liquid soap. Adding synthetic emollients in the formulations of the handwashes. Cleaning your hands with handwash means cleaning with detergent.

b-Antimicrobial Hand wash

An antimicrobial handwash containing disinfectant chloroxylenol and antiseptic are no more effective than the liquid soap in removing E.coli bacteria.

FAQs

Is Hand wash toxic?

In some of the hand wash liquids the harmful elements like triclosan, sodium lauryl sulphate and parabens have been long used. Due to the uncontrolled use of hand-wash liquids such elements are bound to cause more harm. These hand-wash liquids when used, hamper the microorganisms present on our hands. However, being one of the renowned Toiletries Products and Skincare Solution Provider

Is hand wash the same as liquid soap?

The difference is that, Liquid hand soap is a product of natural origin, while hand wash is a product of synthetic origin. Hand soap is a non-toxic and biodegradable, but hand wash is actually classified as a detergent

Does Soap need to be antibacterial?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there isn’t enough science to show that over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial soaps are better at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water. To date, the benefits of using antibacterial hand soap haven’t been proven.

What are the ingredient for liquid soap?

Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye. It is a traditional ingredient for soap-making. While potassium hydroxide is more common in liquid soap-making. It is possible to produce liquid soaps using caustic soda.