WO2021219622A1

WO2021219622A1 - Hand sanitiser composition

Info

Publication number: WO2021219622A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/060959
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guillaume Bernard LAURENT; Christine Mendrok-Edinger; Thomas Rudolph
Original assignee: DSM IP Assets BV
Current assignee: DSM IP Assets BV
Priority date: 2020-04-30
Filing date: 2021-04-27
Publication date: 2021-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-30

Abstract

The present invention relates to hand sanitizers having a total alcohol content of less than 60 wt.-% and at least one active selected from the group consisting of phytantriol, saccharides and vitamins, as well as the use thereof for disinfection of surfaces such as in particular human skin or hair.

Description

HAND SANITISER COMPOSITION The present invention relates to hand sanitizers having a total alcohol content of less than 60 wt.-% and at least one active selected from the group consisting of phytantriol, saccharides and vitamins, as well as the use thereof for disinfection of surfaces such as in particular human skin or hair. Sanitizing is a very important aspect of ensuring healthy life in all populations of the world. Also in times of Corona, hand sanitizing becomes more and more vital part of our life.

Hand hygiene products such as hand sanitizers contain, in order to be effective, generally high amounts of alcohols, with a recommended use range from at least 60% to up to 95% of ethanol and/ or propanol.

There are, however, two major types of adverse skin reactions associated with the use of such products. The first and most common one includes symptoms such as dryness, irritation, itching, and even cracking and bleeding of the skin, which symptoms can vary from quite mild to debilitating. This array of symptoms is referred to as irritant contact dermatitis. The second type of skin reaction generally causes an allergic reaction, mostly due to an allergy to some ingredient in the hand hygiene product. Said allergic contact dermatitis can also range from mild and localized symptoms, however also cause severe and generalized symptoms. In its most serious form, allergic contact dermatitis may be associated with respiratory distress and other symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Hand hygiene products damage the skin by causing denaturation of stratum corneum proteins, changes in intercellular lipids (either depletion or reorganization of lipid moieties). Furthermore, they result in a decreased corneocyte cohesion and decreased stratum corneum water-binding capacity. Among these, the main concern is the depletion of the lipid barrier in particular by the lipid-dissolving alcohols. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for the development of hand sanitizers with a reduced amount of alcohol in order to reduce or even avoid the risk of adverse skin reactions associated with the use of such products. However, as well accepted, only an alcohol content of at least 60% is generally sufficient to achieve a sufficient germicidal efficacy. In contrast, hand sanitizers containing lower alcohol concentrations may generate an efficacy gap. For instance it has been found that the use of only 40% of alcohol in a hand sanitizer product is significantly less effective compared to the use of 60% or more.

Thus, there is an ongoing need to reduce the alcohol content in a hand sanitizer while maintaining an effective germicidal activity.

Surprisingly it has now been found, that a hand sanitizing composition having an alcohol content of less than 60 wt.-% exhibits still a sufficient germicidal activity, if an effective amount of at least one active selected from the group consisting of phytantriol, saccharides and vitamins, optionally in the presence of at least one glycol is present.

Thus, in a first embodiment, the present invention relates to a hand sanitizer, comprising

(i) less than 60 wt.-% of alcohol, and

(ii) 0.1 to 10 wt.-% of at least one, preferably at least two active ingredients selected from the group consisting of phytantriol, saccharides and vitamins. with the proviso that the composition comprises at least 10 wt.-% of ethanol.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of at least one active ingredient selected from the group consisting of phytantriol, saccharides and vitamins as well as mixtures thereof to reduce the alcohol content in a hand sanitizer, while maintaining the same germicidal activity, in particular against P. aeruginosa and/ or S. aureus.

The term hand sanitizer as used herein refers to a topical composition, generally in the form of a liquid, gel or foam, which is generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hand, i.e. to kill germs such as in particular bacteria, fungi and/ or viruses.

The term alcohol as used herein refers to simple monoalcohols, i.e. compounds of formula C_nH2n_+iOH. Suitable alcohols to be used in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention, next to ethanol are in particular isopropanol and n-propanol, isopropanol being preferred.

In a preferred embodiment, the total amount of alcohol, such as preferably ethanol and/or isopropanol in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is selected in the range from 10 to 55 wt.-%, preferably in the range from 20 to 45 wt.-%, most preferably in the range of 25 to 40 wt.-%. Further suitable ranges are selected in the range of 10 to 30 wt.-%, 10 to 20 wt.-% and 10 to 15 wt.-%.

In one preferred embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention comprises as alcohols only ethanol and isopropanol, preferably in a ratio of 1 :10 to 10:1 , more preferably in the range of 10:1 to 1 :1 , most preferably in the range of 10:1 to 5:1.

In another preferred embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention encompasses ethanol as sole simple monoalcohol, i.e. in the absence of isopropanol and n-propanol.

The concentration of the at least one active in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably selected such that the reduced efficacy due to the reduced amount of the alcohols is preferably fully compensated, more preferably even overcompensated by said use (synergistic effect).

The term vitamins refers to vitamins as well as to derivatives thereof. Such derivatives are well known to a person skilled in the art and encompass e.g. retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and ascorbyl phosphate without being limited thereto.

Suitable saccharides according to the present invention encompass monosaccharides and oligosaccharides such as saccharide isomerate, erythrulose and erythritol. Particularly preferred in all embodiments according to the present invention is the use of saccharide isomerate erythrulose and/ or erythritol, most preferably of saccharide isomerate.

Saccharide isomerate (CAS 100843-69-4) is a well-known cosmetic agent with unique binding mechanism to the skin used for short and long-lasting moisturization. Saccharide isomerate is e.g. commercially available under the trademark PENTAVITIN^® from DSM Nutritional Products Ltd or Hyanify from Lipotec. The most preferred saccharide isomerate in all embodiments of the present invention is PENTAVITIN^® which comprises as active ingredient a saccharide isomerate consisting essentially of glucose, fructose, mannose and galactose.

The amount of the saccharide isomerate in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably in the range from 0.25 to 10 wt.-%, more preferably in the range from 0.25 to 7.5 wt.-%, most preferably in the range from 0.25 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the topical composition. Further suitable ranges are from 0.25 to 2.5 wt.-% and from 0.5 to 2 wt.-%.

The term erythrulose as used herein refers to erythrulose in D- or L-form or as the racemate. Preferably in all embodiments according to the present invention L-(+)-Erythrulose [533-50-6] is used. Erythrulose is e.g. commercially available as ERYTHRULOSE at DSM Nutritional Products Ltd, Kaiseraugst (at least 50% of Erythrulose in water).

The amount of erythrulose (based on the active) in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably selected in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 4 wt.-%, most preferably in the range of 1 to 3 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the hand sanitizer. Further suitable ranges include 0.25 to 1 wt.-% or 0.1 to 1 wt.-%.

Erythritol [CAS 149-32-6] refers to erythritol in D- or L-form or as the racemate. Preferably in all embodiments according to the present invention L-erythritol is used.

The amount of erythritol in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably selected in the range of 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 4 wt.-%, most preferably in the range of 1 to 3 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the hand sanitizer.

Suitable vitamins according to the present invention encompass niacinamide, panthenol, retinyl acetate and folic acid, preferably niacinamide, panthenol and retinyl acetate. Particularly preferred in all embodiments according to the present invention is the use of niacinamide and panthenol, most preferred niacinamide. Niacinamide [CAS-Nr. 98-92-0] is one of the water-soluble B-complex vitamins which is e.g. available as Niacinamide PC or Niacinamide from DSM Nutritional Products AG, (4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland). Niacinamide is also referred to as nicotinamide or pyridine-3-carboxamide and is the amide of niacin (vitamin B₃).

The amount of niacinamide in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably selected in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.-%, preferably 1 to 10 wt.-%, most preferably 2 to 5 wt.-% of niacinamide, based on the total weight of the hand sanitizer. Further suitable ranges include 3 to 5 wt.-% or 3 to 7.5 wt.-%.

Panthenol [CAS-Nr. 81-13-0] is also known as Dexpanthenol, D-panthenol or Provitamin B5 and is e.g. available as Panthenol from DSM Nutritional Products AG, (4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland).

The amount of panthenol in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably selected in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.-%, preferably 1 to 10 wt.-%, most preferably 2 to 5 wt.-% of panthenol, based on the total weight of the hand sanitizer. Further suitable ranges include 3 to 5 wt.-% or 3 to 7.5 wt.-%.

Retinyl acetate [CAS-Nr. 127-47-9] is a Vitamin A derivative. Retinyl acetate is e.g. commercially available at DSM Nutritional Products AG, (4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland's Vitamin A Acetate 1 .5 MlU/g. It contains 1 500 000 IU pure vitamin A in the form of acetate (450 000 pg retinol) per gram in peanut oil.

The amount of retinyl acetate in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably selected in the range of 0.00001 to about 1 wt.-%, preferably in the range of 0.0001 to 0.75 wt.-%, most preferably in the range of 0.001 to 0.5 wt.- % of retinyl acetate, based on the total weight of the hand sanitizer. Further suitable ranges include 0.2 to 1.5 wt.-% or 0.25 to 1 wt.-%.

The term ‘phytantriol’ in the present invention refers to phytantriol, 3,7,11,15- tetramethyl-hexadecane-1 ,2,3-triol, or 3,7,11 ,15-tetramethyl-1 ,2,3-hexadecanetriol (CAS number 74563-64-7, EC / List no.: 277-923-2). Phytantriol is commercially available from DSM Nutritional Products AG, (4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland).

The amount of phytantriol in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably selected in the range from 0.01 to 3 wt. %, more preferably in the range of about 0.01 to 2.5 wt.-% and most preferably in the range of 0.05 to 2.0 wt.-% or even more preferred in the range of 0.05 to 1.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the hand sanitizer. Further suitable ranges include 0.2 to 1.5 wt.-% or 0.25 to 1 wt.-%.

In a particular advantageous embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention further comprises at least one glycol.

Suitable glycols according to the present invention encompass 1 ,2-propanediol,

1.3-propanediol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol (also known as caprylyl glycol), 1 ,2-decanediol and 2-methyl-1 , 3-propanediol particularly preferred in all embodiments according to the present invention is the use of 1 ,3-propanediol.

1 .3-Propanediol [CAS-Nr. 504-63-2] is commercially readily available from different suppliers. It can be produced chemically or via biotechnology. Preferably, in all embodiments of the present invention, biotechnologically produced 1 , -propanediol is used.

The amount of the at least one glycol, preferably of 1,3-propanediol in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably selected in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.-%, preferably 1 to 10 wt.-%, most preferably 2 to 5 wt.-% of 1 ,3-propanediol, based on the total weight of the hand sanitizer.

In a particular preferred embodiment, at least two active ingredients are used in the hand sanitizers according to the present inventio, which ingredients interact synergistically to provide the germicidal activity. Most preferably, in all embodiments of the present invention, two active ingredients are used, which active ingredients are most preferably saccharide isomerate and niacinamide, saccharide isomerate and erythrulose, saccharide isomerate and phytantriol, niacinamide and erythrulose, erythrulose and erythritol or niacinamide and phytantriol. It is further preferred if the hand sanitizer does not contain any further active ingredients.

In another particular advantageous embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention comprises only one of the active ingredients as given herein, preferably only one of niacinamide, retinyl acetate, panthenol and erythrulose, in the absence of the others, most preferably only niacinamide or panthenol. The total concentration of the at least on active in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably selected such that the reduced efficacy due to the reduced amount of the alcohols is compensated, preferably overcompensated by said use.

In a preferred embodiment, the (total) amount of the active ingredient is selected in the range of 0.1 to 10 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of 0.25 to 5 wt.-%, most preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total amount of the hand sanitizer.

In a particular advantageous embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention has at least an activity against bacteria and viruses.

Particularly the anti-germicidal activity can be unfold against microorganism selected from Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Salmonella, Serratia, Shigella, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Wolinella, Campylobacter, Propionibacterium, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Treponema, Fusobacterium, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Actinomyces, Herpes Simplex 1 and 2, Corona viruses, e.g. Covid-19.

In a particular advantageous embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention has at least an activity against bacteria, such as at least against S. aureus or P. aeruginosa.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention are capable of reducing the amount of germs, in particular on a surface such as most in particular on skin by at least 80%, more preferably at least 85 %, most preferably by at least 90%, such as by at least 95 %.

The anti-germicidal (i.e. anti-microbial, anti-fungal and/ or anti-viral) activity according to the present invention is preferably assessed in a CFU-Test (CFU = colony forming units) where a hand sanitizer according to the present invention, in pure or diluted form, is incubated with selected microorganism. After an incubation time of up to 24h, the anti-germicidal activity will be assessed by calculating the CFU reduction versus placebo. Testing can also proceed according to standard procedures in the art as e.g. outlined in EN1040 (bactericide), EN1275 (Levuricide) and/ or EN14347 (Sporicide); EN13727/ EN1276; EN1500 (bacteria), EN13624/EN 1650 (yeasts), EN14348 (mycobacteria/ tuberculosis), EN14476 (viruses) and/ or EN13624/ EN1650 (funghi spore), as deemed appropriate. Alternatively, the anti-germicidal activity may be assessed in analogy to the regulatory challenge test method (NF EN ISO11930). Preferably, however, in all embodiments of the present invention, the anti-germicidal activity is assessed in a CFU-Test.

In particular the hand sanitizers according to the present invention excerpt an anti- germicidal activity against fungi and/ or bacteria. Most in particular the hand sanitizers according to the present invention are used as an agent for killing and/ or inhibiting the growth of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), Staphylococcus epidermis (S. epidermis), Cornyebacterium xerosis (C. xerosis), Aspergillus brasiliensis (A. brasiliensis), Candida albicans (C. albicans), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escheria coli (E. coli) and/ or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Most preferably, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention excerpt an anti-germicidal activity against P. aeruginosa and/ or S. aureus.

Generally, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention are formulated as liquids or thickened liquids (or gels). Those liquids can be dispensed via a pumping device or via an aerosol container containing propellants such as butane, propane and/or isopropane.

Thus, preferably, in all embodiments according to the present invention, the hand sanitizer comprises 0.001 to 10 wt.-% of a thickening agent.

Suitable thickening agent encompass thickening polymers such as in particular water soluble thickeners.

Such water-soluble thickeners are well known to a person skilled in the art and are e.g. listed in the "Handbook of Water soluble gums and resins" by Robert L. Davidson (Me Graw Hill Book Company (1980)). Particularly suitable water soluble thickeners are selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acids (e.g. commercially available under the tradename Carbomer or Carbopol^®), homopolymers of 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropansulfonic acid (e.g. commercially available as Rheothik^®11-80), acrylate copolymers (e.g. commercially available under the tradename Pemulen^® or Aculyn^®33), branched poly(methacryloyloxyethyl- trimethylammoniumchlorid) (INCI-name Polyquaternium-37), non-modified guar gums (e.g. commercially available under the tradename Jaguar), starch or derivatives thereof and/ or hydroxyalkylcellulose.

Preferably, if present, the water-soluble thickener is used in an amount of about 0.001 to 10 wt.-%, more preferably in an amount of 0.1 wt.-% to 7 wt.-%, based on the total weigh of the hand sanitizer.

The hand sanitizers according to the present invention may further contain a neutralizing agent.

Suitable neutralizing agents encompass tetrahydroxylpropyl ethylenediamine (e.g commercially available as Neutral TE from BASF), aminomethyl propanol (AMP ultra PC 2000 from Angus Chemical company) without being limited thereto. Others suitable neutralizing agents are Sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, triethanolamine, tromethamine, diisopropanolamine and triisopropanolamine.

If present the neutralizing agent is preferably used in an amount of 0.1 to 1.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the hand sanitizer.

In one preferred embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention further comprise an antibacterial active. Antibacterial actives of natural origin are especially preferred. Essential oils are a class of antibacterial actives useful in including in invention. Suitable antibacterial essential oil are e.g. selected from amyl salicylate, carvacrol, cymene such as p-cymene, dihydroeugenol, eugenol, hexyl eugenol, hexyl salicylate, isoeugenol, methyl eugenol, methyl isoeugenol, methyl salicylate, tert-butyl cresol, thymol, vanillin, cedrene, cineole, citral (including geranial and neral), citronellal, citronellol, eucalyptol (also known a s 1 ,8- cineole), paradihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol, farnesol, geraniol, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronallol, hydroxycitronellal, isocitral, limonene, preferably d-limonene, linalool, longifolene, menthol, nerol, nerolidiol, pinene, e.g. d-pinene, phellendrene, terpinene, e.g. terpinene, terpineol, tetrahydromyrcenol. Of these the antibacterial essential oil especially preferred are terpineol, thymol, eugenol or mixtures thereof.

In another advantageous embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention further contain fragrance (perfume). Even more preferably, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention comprise at least one perfume ingredient selected from the group consisting of limonene, citral, linalool, alpha-isomethylionone, geraniol, citronellol, 2-isobutyl-4-hydroxy-4- methyltetrahydropyran, 2-tert-pentylcyclohexylacetat, 3-methyl-5-phenyl-1 -pentanol, 7-acetyl-1 ,1 ,3,4,4,6-hexamethyltetralin, adipic acid diester, alpha- amylcinnamaldehyd, alpha-methylionone, amyl salicylate, amylcinnamyl alcohol, anisyl alcohol, benzoin, benzylalcohol, benzylbenzoat, benzylcinnamate, benzylsalicylate, bergamot oil, orange oil, butylphenylmethylpropional, cardamom oil, cedrol, cinnamal, cinnamyl alcohol, citronellylmethylcrotonat, lemon oil, coumarin, diethylsuccinat, ethyllinalool, eugenol, evernia furfuracea extract, evernia prunastri extract, farnesol, guaiacwood oil, hexylcinnamal, hexylsalicylat, hydroxycitronellal, lavender oil, linalylacetat, mandarin oil, menthyl PCA, methylheptenon, muscat oil, rosemary oil, terpineol, tonka bean oil, triethylcitrate and vanillin.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention are, however, free of any fragrance/ perfume ingredients.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention further comprise a moisturizer. A particularly suitable moisturizer to be used in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is glycerin (also known as glycerol).

If present, the amount of glycerin in the hand sanitizers according to the present invention is preferably selected in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10 wt.-%, most preferably in the range of 1 to 7.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the hand sanitizer.

In a particular advantageous embodiment, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention consist essentially of (a) the alcohol(s), (b) the at least one active ingredient, (c) the thickening agent, (d) the neutralizing agent, (e) water and optionally (f) an additional antibacterial agent, a moisturizer and/ or fragrance.

Even more preferably, the hand sanitizers according to the present invention consist essentially of (a) the alcohol(s), (b) the at least one active ingredient, (c) the thickening agent, (d) the neutralizing agent, (e) water and optionally (f) a moisturizer and/ or fragrance. It is well understood, that the term ‘consisting essentially of refers to a hand sanitizer, wherein the amount of the ingredients (a) to (f) sum up to 100 wt.-%. However, it is not excluded that the hand sanitizer contains small amounts of impurities, e.g. introduced via the raw materials.

The hand sanitizer of the present invention can also be used for cleansing and care of hard surfaces such a s glass, metal, plastic and the like.

Particularly suitable formulation examples of sanitizers, in particular of hand sanitizers, include hydroalcoholic liquids and gels, lotions, or sprays with a total alcohol content of between 10% and up to 60%.

In one embodiment of the present invention, it only takes 2-3 drops to effectively disinfect the hands both front, and back. In one embodiment of the present invention the formula dries instantly, does not leave the hands feeling tight, sticky or excessively dry.

The following examples are provided to further illustrate the compositions and effects of the present invention. These examples are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Examples

A) Examples of hand sanitizer according to the present invention Hand sanitizer gel 1

Hand sanitizer gel 2

Hand sanitizer gel 3

Hand sanitizer gel 4

Hand sanitizer gel 5

Hand sanitizer gel 6

Hand sanitizer gel 7

Hand sanitizer solution

B) Examples of hand sanitizers with standard amount of alcohol (references)

Hand sanitizer gel 1

Hand sanitizer gel 2

Hand sanitizer gel 3

Hand sanitizer gel 4

Hand sanitizer solution 1

Hand sanitizer solution 2

C) Antimicrobial activity (Micro-challenge test)

The micro-challenge test was carried out with the two different microbial strains outlined in table 1 :

Table 1

The following actives (tradenames, available at DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.) were tested in the concentrations as outlined in tables 2 and 3.

• ERYTHRULOSE (approx. 50% Erythrulose) (Product Code 5038282)

• Vitamin A Acetate 1.5 MlU/g (Product Code 0418846)

• Niacinamide PC (Product Code 5006066)

• D-Panthenol (Product Code 0413852)

Test set-up

Samples and controls are deposed in 96-deep wells plate. Samples and controls are contaminated by the two bacterial strains at 6.10*10⁵ cfu/mL (P. aeruginosa) and 9.45*10⁵ cfu/mL (S. aureus). After contamination, each sample well is thoroughly mixed to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the micro-organism. Then, each plate is incubated at 22.5°C for 24 h. Sampling and microbial population counts

For all strains, an aliquot on each contaminated sample is collected and deposed in serial dilutions in microtiter plates in the presence of the corresponding culture medium with or without triphenyltetrazolium reagent.

The residual microbial population was assessed after 24 h.

Results Table 2: Staphylococcus aureus

Table 3: Results Pseudomonas aeruginosa

As can be retrieved from the data outlined in table 2 and 3, the addition of the respective active selected from the group consisting of niacinamide, retinyl acetate, panthenol and erythrulose led to a compensation of the loss of the antimicrobial activity due to the reduction of the amount of ethanol.

Claims

1 . A hand sanitizer, comprising

(i) less than 60 wt.-% of alcohol, and

(ii) 0.1 to 10 wt.-% of at least one active ingredient selected from the group consisting of phytantriol, saccharides and vitamins, with the proviso that the composition comprises at least 10 wt.-% of ethanol.

2. The hand sanitizer according to claim 1 , wherein the hand sanitizer comprises as alcohols either (a) a mixture of ethanol and isopropanol or (b) only ethanol.

3. The hand sanitizer according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of ethanol to isopropanol is selected in the range from 1 : 10 to 10: 1.

4. The hand sanitizer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of niacinamide, retinyl acetate, panthenol and erythrulose as well as mixtures thereof, preferably of panthenol or niacinamide, most preferably of niacinamide.

5. The hand sanitizer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the active ingredient(s) is selected in the range of 0.1 to 10 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total amount of the hand sanitizer.

6. The hand sanitizer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the total amount of ethanol and/or isopropanol is selected in the range of 10 to 55 wt.-%, preferably 20 to 45 wt.-%, most preferably in the range of 25 to 40 wt.-%.

7. The hand sanitizer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the hand sanitizer additionally comprises at least one glycol selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,3-propanediol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2- decanediol and 2-methyl-1 , 3-propanediol as well as mixtures thereof, most preferably 1 ,3-propanediol.

8. The hand sanitizer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the hand sanitizer is in the form of liquid or thickened liquid.

9. The hand sanitizer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the hand sanitizer comprises at least one thickening polymer.

10. The hand sanitizer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the hand sanitizer consists essentially of (a) the alcohol(s), (b) the at least one active ingredient, (c) the thickening agent, (d) the neutralizing agent, (e) water and optionally (f) the glycol, an additional antibacterial agent, a moisturizer and/ or a fragrance.

11 . The hand sanitizer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the hand sanitizer consists essentially of (a) the alcohol(s), (b) the at least one active ingredient, (c) the thickening agent, (d) the neutralizing agent, (e) water and optionally (f) 1 ,3-propanediol, glycerin and/ or a fragrance.

12. The hand sanitizer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the hand sanitizer reduced the amount of germs by at least 80%, more preferably at least 85 %, most preferably by at least 90%, such as by at least 95 %.

13. The hand sanitizer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the hand sanitizer comprises at least one perfume ingredient selected from the group consisting of limonene, citral, linalool, alpha-isomethylionone, geraniol, citronellol, 2-isobutyl-4-hydroxy-4-methyltetrahydropyran, 2-tert- pentylcyclohexylacetat, 3-methyl-5-phenyl-1-pentanol, 7-acetyl-1 ,1 , 3, 4,4,6- hexamethyltetralin, adipic acid diester, alpha-amylcinnamaldehyd, alpha-methylionone, amyl salicylate, amylcinnamyl alcohol, anisyl alcohol, benzoin, benzylalcohol, benzylbenzoat, benzylcinnamate, benzylsalicylate, bergamot oil, orange oil, butylphenylmethylpropional, cardamom oil, cedrol, cinnamal, cinnamyl alcohol, citronellylmethylcrotonat, lemon oil, coumarin, diethylsuccinat, ethyllinalool, eugenol, evernia furfuracea extract, evernia prunastri extract, farnesol, guaiacwood oil, hexylcinnamal, hexylsalicylat, hydroxycitronellal, lavender oil, linalylacetat, mandarin oil, menthyl PCA, methylheptenon, muscat oil, rosemary oil, terpineol, tonka bean oil, triethylcitrate and vanillin.

14. Use of at least one active ingredient selected from the group consisting of niacinamide, retinyl acetate, panthenol and erythrulose to reduce the alcohol content in a hand sanitizer, while maintaining the germicidal activity.

15. The use according to claim 14, wherein the germicidal activity is an activity against P. aeruginosa and/ or S. aureus.