Our hands are the first to come into contact with viruses and bacteria as soon as we touch an object, door handles or indoors. In short, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to coming into contact with bacteria and other viruses. That's why, as the health situation shows, it's important to disinfect your hands regularly.

Disinfectant and antiseptic in your online organic pharmacy

A disinfectant is a biocidalproduct that kills certain micro-organisms(such as bacteria) and inhibits others (such as viruses), on inert or non-living surfaces. Disinfectants are used to eliminate potentially pathogenic agents on all types of surfaces: instruments, medical equipment, floors, high surfaces...

They only act on microbes already present at the time of use. That's why it's a good idea to disinfect surfaces regularly to limit the risk of contamination, especially during epidemics. Not all disinfectants are effective against all germs. Refer to the biocidal standards indicated by the manufacturer to find out which bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts or spores the product acts on.

If you don't need to target a particular germ, prefer a broad-spectrum disinfectant, which will act on a large number of microbe strains, including the most common ones. To take full advantage of a disinfectant's potential, it's essential to follow its instructions for use, and especially its application time. This contact time is necessary for the product to have time to act properly on microbes.

An antiseptic is a product used to eliminate micro-organisms on living tissue such as skin or mucous membranes. Its use results in " antisepsis " of the treated area. A momentary result means that the antiseptic is effective at the time of use, but that this effectiveness does not persist over time.

Like a disinfectant, an antiseptic acts only on micro-organisms already present on the area to which it is applied. It has no preventive effect in preventing pathogens from being deposited on the skin. An antiseptic is therefore a disinfectant intended for body surfaces. Handdisinfection for preventive purposes (i.e. to limit hand-carried contamination) can be achieved by rubbing with hydroalcoholic gel or by thorough washing with antiseptic soap.

Discover our full range of disinfectant and antiseptic care products in the Health section of our Soin et Nature organic pharmacy.

Disinfectants and Antiseptics: Differences and Complementarity

Disinfectants

Disinfectants are formulated to eliminate or inactivate micro-organisms on inert surfaces, such as medical equipment, floors or furniture. They are used to sterilize objects in healthcare establishments or to disinfect high-risk environments. Disinfectants are generally too aggressive to be applied to the skin or mucous membranes.

Antiseptics

Antiseptics, on the other hand, are designed to be applied directly to living tissue, such as skin, wounds or mucous membranes. Their formulation is adapted to minimize irritation while reducing the microbial load, making these products essential in healthcare and first aid.

Operating principles

Disinfectants and antiseptics work by various mechanisms to target and neutralize micro-organisms:

Alteration of cell membranes: They destroy the cell walls of bacteria and fungi, causing their death.
Inhibition of vital enzymes: by disrupting essential metabolic processes.
Destruction of nucleic acids: They prevent the replication of micro-organisms.
Oxidation: Certain products, such as hydrogen peroxide, oxidize the internal structures of micro-organisms, rendering them non-viable.

Effectiveness depends on product concentration, type of micro-organism targeted, and contact time.

Product Classification and Applications

Disinfectants

Disinfectants are used in a variety of environments, including hospitals, laboratories and public places. They are classified into several categories according to their active compounds:

Alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol): Used to disinfect non-porous surfaces and medical equipment. They are fast-acting, but their effectiveness diminishes in the presence of organic matter.
Quaternary ammonium compounds: Effective against bacteria and certain viruses, these products are often used to disinfect floors, walls and non-critical surfaces.
Hypochlorites (bleach): Highly effective at eliminating bacterial spores and viruses, these products are essential for disinfection in high-risk areas.
Hydrogen peroxide: Used for medical devices and sterile environments, thanks to its powerful oxidizing action.
Phenols: reserved for medical environments, they are particularly useful against resistant fungi and bacteria.

Antiseptics

Antiseptics are formulated for direct use on living tissue and are essential in preventing secondary infections. The main types include :

Chlorhexidine: Widely used to disinfect skin before surgery and to clean wounds. It offers prolonged action, even after rinsing.
Iodine and povidone iodine: Ideal for deep wounds and pre-operative preparation. They act against a wide range of micro-organisms, including spores.
Alcohols: Used for rapid skin disinfection, especially before injections.
Hydrogen peroxide: Effective for cleaning open wounds thanks to its foaming action that removes debris.
Natural antiseptics: Plant extracts such as tea tree or thyme offer a gentle alternative for small wounds and skin irritations.

What first-aid products can I find on the Soin-et-Nature website?

Soin-et-Nature offers a comprehensive range of products to meet first-aid needs, suitable for both emergency situations and everyday care. Here are the categories available:

To treat wounds and burns, specific products help soothe, protect and accelerate healing.
For specialized dermatological care, the Ialuset range offers solutions enriched with hyaluronic acid to promote skin repair.
To relieve insect bites, soothing products quickly reduce itching and irritation.
For peace of mind when traveling, travel-friendly first-aid kits include the essentials to cope with minor accidents.
To protect and heal wounds, a wide selection of dressings meets different needs, from minor cuts to more serious wounds.
To immobilize or maintain wounds, quality bandages offer optimum support for minor traumas.
To clean and protect wounds, sterile compresses ensure impeccable hygiene for local care.
To treat knocks and bumps, specific solutions such as gels and creams soothe pain and reduce swelling.
For emergency situations, emergency care is available to act quickly and effectively.
For burns, blows and bumps, multifunctional products treat minor trauma while soothing pain.
To disinfect and prevent infection, disinfectants and antiseptics ensure optimum hygiene in all circumstances.

These first-aid products available on Soin-et-Nature can be used to deal with minor everyday accidents and respond effectively to emergency needs, while giving priority to natural, high-quality solutions.