Lifebuoy effective against COVID-19

Lifebuoy Global is the first soap brand to confirm its alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel is over 99.9% effective against COVID-19 Coronavirus¹. It is expected that this will also be proven for several other hand hygiene products soon.

Research has shown that using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, as advised by public health authorities², is effective against germs.  The initial test results, conducted at the internationally accredited Microbac Laboratories shows that Lifebuoy’s alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel, sold in the Middle East, can successfully inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. The initial testing also included a Lifebuoy liquid hand wash which is over 99.9% effective against COVID-19 Coronavirus¹. Both products tested are sold across Asia and the Middle East.

Dr. Vibhav Sanzgiri, R&D Vice President for Skin Cleansing at Unilever, said: “The technology of these products, and how it works, is linked to the structure of the virus. Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses which contain an outer protective layer made of fatty molecules. The initial results provide scientific evidence that the Lifebuoy products tested inactivate the COVID-19 Coronavirus¹; this is done by disrupting the protective layer of the virus.”

Samir Singh, Global EVP, Skin Cleansing at Unilever said: “The uncertainty we continue to face in this global pandemic is challenging for all of us. As we wait for a vaccine to be developed, soap continues to play a crucial role in tackling the spread of the virus. Our hope is that this scientific testing will help reassure people and encourage even greater adoption of hand washing and good hygiene habits, at a time when it has never been more important.”

Lifebuoy Globally runs the world’s largest behaviour change programme to encourage hand washing. In response to the global pandemic, the brand has embarked on a public service campaign to remind people that hand hygiene and using any soap brand can help reduce the spread of infections. The brand has also donated over 20 million products, including soap, hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes to various organisations and initiatives around the world.

1 All reference to Covid-19 Coronavirus refers to ‘SARS-CoV-2’
2 Visit the World Health Organisation website for more information