At Sychem, we offer a number of solutions in our chemicals range including our range of hand sanitisers.
What is Benzalkonium Chloride?
Benzalkonium chloride (BZK, BKC) is a quaternary ammonium compound used as an antimicrobial preservative, surfactant and disinfectant. It has been used in healthcare, pharmaceutical and consumer products for more than 60 years. Used in formulas for preservatives, surface cleaners, sterilising agents, and leave-on FDA Monograph antibacterial skin treatment products.
How does Benzalkonium chloride work?
BZK is a cationic surfactant. It disrupts the cell membranes of bacteria, fungi and some viruses, causing the cell contents to leak and the organism to die. The mechanism gives BZK broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, though bacterial spores resist it.
Unlike alcohol-based antimicrobials, BZK does not evaporate. It remains active on the skin after application, providing persistent antimicrobial activity between washes.
What is Benzalkonium Chloride used in?
BZK based leave-on hand Sanitisers have demonstrated efficacy in real-world environments. When evaluated in junior school environments where the importance of proper hygiene practices including hand washing is taught and emphasised; the use of non-alcohol based leave-on instant hand sanitisers reduced illness absenteeism 30-40% in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies versus hand washing alone.
Benzalkonium Chloride is not just used in hand-Sanitisers however, it can also be used as an antimicrobial preservative for pharmaceutical products.
Benzalkonium Chloride vs Alcohol-Based Sanitisers
Alcohol-based hand sanitisers kill microorganisms on contact but evaporate within seconds, leaving no residual protection. BZK-based sanitisers work more slowly on contact but protect the skin longer. This makes BZK a useful choice in high-touch, high-frequency environments such as schools and hospitals, where repeated hand contact between washes is common. BZK is also alcohol-free, making it suitable for facilities restricted from using alcohol- based products, and gentler on skin with repeated use.
BZK in Sychem products
At Sychem, our Sychem Protect Foam Hand Sanitiser is based on the active ingredient Benzalkonium chloride. A unique formulation featuring exceptional skin feel, conditioning and moisturising properties. The efficacy of our product has been confirmed to reduce S. aureus 99.9999% in as little as 15 seconds.
Sychem Protect Foam Hand Sanitiser is in compliance with the FDA Final Tentative Monograph for OTC Hand Sanitiser preparations (leave-on sanitisers not requiring a rinse). Sychem Protect produces a fast-drying, non-sticky foam that contains unique non-drying, conditioning and moisturising ingredients – leaving the skin with a soft, refreshing and silky after-feel, and does not contain polymer thickeners or silicones.
