We all know it is important to keep good hand hygiene, but did you know that normal soap is actually more efficient at killing coronavirus on your skin than alcohol based disinfectants? 

How can this be, that the humble soap can be so powerful a way to stop the spread of the virus? According to Pall Thordarson (professor of chemistry at the University of New South Wales, Sydney) Viruses are made up of RNA, proteins and lipids. Soap dissolves the lipid fat membrane and renders the virus inactive! Because of the fundamental structure of the virus, harsh chemicals aren't necessary to break apart the building blocks.

Because your skin has proteins and fatty acids the virus really likes to cling to your skin. Water alone isn't really enough to stop it clinging, but soapy water; "not only loosens the “glue” between the virus and the skin but also the Velcro-like interactions that hold the proteins, lipids and RNA in the virus together."

So best to reach for the soap to keep those hands clean, and an alcohol based disinfectant when you can't. We have put together some of our favourite and best selling soaps and hand hygiene products here.