Antiseptics, or skin disinfectants are chemicals that reduce or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, reducing the risk of infection.

Beacons Health skin disinfectants are formulated at alcohol concentrations with broad spectrum activity effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and viruses, that are similarly widely used in hospitals and other medical settings. 

Beacons Health carry a range of skin disinfectants and antiseptic products – here we try to differentiate the products to help you make an informed choice when purchasing them!

Beacons Health Denatured Alcohol, Methylated Spirit and Surgical Spirit are often used for its astringent effect, apart from its main function as a disinfectant. Astringents, once applied to your skin, works to shrink or constrict skin tissues; it evaporates quickly and also gives the skin a cooling effect, hence is especially useful prior to and after injections.

Beacons Health Isopropyl Alcohol is also used as a skin disinfectant, and it may be less drying on the skin as compared to the former two products mentioned due to its lower alcohol content. Non-alcohol based antiseptics as such Povidone Iodine and Proflavine Lotion are also likely to be less irritating or drying on the skin and are commonly used for minor cuts and wounds. In addition, Povidone Iodine 10% Solution contains Glycerin that acts as a humectant and emollient, which prevents skin drying.

Beacons Health Surgical Spirit which contains alcohol, may have a greater drying effect on the skin. Beacons Health Surgical Spirit also contains Methyl Salicylate which acts as a topical analgesic that helps to relieve pain. 

If you require any further information, do consult your doctor, pharmacist or nurse today!