It’s not a good time to be a germophobe. Besides Covid-19, dengue cases have also been on the rise recently, which explains why some of us have become a lot more conscious of keeping clean and being sanitary. Naturally, we might pay more attention to products that promise to eliminate bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms living on our skin.
While these products don’t promise to any protection from dengue specifically (spoiler: there’s no specific treatment/cure for the fever), they do aid in keeping our skin bacteria-free (hey, when you are sick with any virus, you are extra sensitive to other illnesses too) while getting a healthier-looking complexion along the way.
Here, we suss out eight products to help you get started on staying clean.
It is now more important to use a hand sanitiser that not only protects our hands from germs and bacteria, but eliminates them as well. Besides doing that, this sanitiser works to hydrate our skin thanks to glycerin while offering insect-repellent benefits to keep the mozzies – and other bugs – away.
If you’re looking to give your oily T-zone some TLC but prefer a clay mask that comes with a range of benefits, this is your best bet. Frangipani flower extracts come with antiseptic properties to kill unwanted bacteria while soothing the skin. For further nourishment, Spanish clay and sweet almond oil are infused in the formula. This also helps to promote collagen production for improved elasticity thanks to a BioNymph Peptide Complex.
Tea tree oil has always been known to be a superior ingredient in combating acne – and for a very simple reason. It is equipped with antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties to get rid of acne-causing and other unwanted bacteria. And as the name of this product suggests, this is formulated with a combination of tea tree, peppermint and spearmint oils to heal and soothe irritated scalp. Binchotan charcoal is used to remove debris from the scalp and hair follicle while witch hazel water rebalances oil production to prevent oily scalp
Another ingredient to note is lavender extract, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to prevent any severe breakouts, treat post-blemish skin, and aids in rebalancing the skin’s oil levels. Organic lavender extracts used in this formula supposedly calm anxiety and relax the mind and body.
This cleanser can be used on all parts of the body that is prone to acne. It is formulated with mandelic acid, which is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to kill bacteria in acne and prevent further irritation or inflammation. Plus, it also helps to speed up skin cell turnover rate. Other ingredients in the formula include natural almond extract and camellia sinensis leaf extract, which work together to calm and treat blemish-prone skin.
Its key ingredient, a Japanese herb known as red shiso, is packed with antiseptic and detoxifying benefits and works with a PhytoResist System to gently but effectively get rid of impurities deeply embedded in your pores. It is also rich in minerals and vitamins and contains high concentrations of polyphenol to provide an antioxidant effect for skin protection. Additionally, this strengthens skin’s resistance, hydrate and treat oiliness and enlarged pores.
A cocktail of Cymbopogon citratus leaf, Lavandula hybrida and peppermint oils work to rid off bacteria, blackheads and other unnecessary gunk stuck in pores – all while keeping the skin calm and soothed. Organic rosewater, grape polyphenols then aid in hydrating, illuminating dull complexions and refining skin’s texture.
This is made with nutmeg essential oil, which is known for its antiseptic, stress-relieving and moisturising properties. It also clarifies the skin thanks to citrus oils, which are rich in natural alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Vitamin E-rich rice bran oil softens and protects the skin against free-radical damage. Warm and woody nutmeg essential oil is combined with uplifting notes of orange and tangerine for a relaxing experience.