Dettol Antiseptic Liquid and Disinfectant
What is the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid?
The Dettol antiseptic liquid was created many decades ago and has continued to be manufactured and sold by the original company through its many mergers and acquisitions. Today, it is owned by Reckitt Benckiser and the Dettol brand is considered separate from the antiseptic liquid and now includes soaps, sanitizers, body wash, shaving creams and medicated plasters among other products.
The Dettol Antiseptic Liquid remains one of the most trusted antiseptic liquids for first aid purposes and is used worldwide to treat bruises, wounds, cuts and scrapes to prevent infections. It is also suitable for use as a disinfectant for your floors or for your laundry to disinfect your clothes. However, as the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid is quite concentrated, it is only recommended for use by diluting in water.
Contents
The formulation of the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid varies depending on where the product was manufactured but always features Chloroxylenol as its active ingredient. Other common ingredients include pine oil, castor oil soap, isopropyl alcohol, caramel and water. While pine oil is not a common essential oil, it is most commonly used for aromatherapy or massages. However, it also has an antiseptic effect against a range of bacteria and has been used as a disinfectant for a long time. It supplements the antiseptic effect of Chloroxylenol and makes the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid more effective against a broader range of bacteria.
The caramel gives the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid its cola like color while isopropyl alcohol operates as a solvent and helps to disinfect as well. There have been very few cases of lethal toxicity caused by Dettol (primarily due to overexposure), making it necessary to treat this liquid with caution and to keep it out of the reach of children. However, every antiseptic is toxic and an irritant to the wounded tissue to some degree.
However, it is considered safe for use by regulatory authorities and instructions are clearly given on the bottle that indicate it is meant to be diluted before use. It is a common household product and likely safer to keep around than ethanol or any other alcohol or antiseptic.
Why use the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid?
The Dettol Antiseptic Liquid is an effective product that has been trusted by generations. It is suitable for applying on open wounds and stings less than ethanol and other alcohols (it contains rubbing alcohol but it is diluted). Unlike Iodine (which is no longer a recommended antiseptic), it does not slow down healing or induce scar formation.
You can also use the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid as a disinfectant for use in mopping your floors or for your laundry. The manufacturer also suggests that it may provide relief for or at least disinfect insect bites or stings.
Benefits
Dettol is a trusted brand that has been operating for more than three quarters of a century now. The Dettol Antiseptic Liquid has multiple uses, in addition to disinfecting wounds or cuts it may also be used to disinfect floors or clothes. Simply add a few drops of it to your mopping water or into your laundry cycle for the desired effect, instructions are also provided on the bottle.
As it is quite concentrated, even a small bottle of the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid lasts a considerable amount of time depending on your use.
Drawbacks
The Dettol Antiseptic Liquid is toxic and must never be ingested in any way. Furthermore, as it is quite concentrated, you need to dilute it by mixing it into water before use. If you intend to use it for disinfecting your floors, please be advised that it is not suitable for use with marble floors as it may stain it.
Summary
Typically marketed to mothers with active children, the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid and Disinfectant is an excellent product that helps keep you and your family safe. Whether you simply use it to treat cuts, scrapes, bruises and wounds or also use it to disinfect your floors and laundry, the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid may prevent infections and thereby improve your quality of life.
Manufactured By: Reckitt Benckiser
Product Weight:
3.50 FL OZ (125 ML)
Storage Instructions: Keep in Cool & Dry Place
Package: Glass Bottle
