Dettol Soap: Why Millions Use It Everyday

Vineet Baid

2 billion times in a single day. That's how often Dettol is used.

With millions of users worldwide, Dettol is undoubtedly one of the most trusted brands in health & hygiene. The marketing is straightforward. Need to disinfect a surface? Use Dettol. Need to clean up a wound? Use Dettol. Hand wash? Hand sanitization? Bathing? Shaving? Dettol again. Dettol is the No.1 antiseptic in the world, and has been around for over 80 years now. The brand Dettol has positioned itself with the core purpose of “protection”. This has made Dettol one of the most popular brands in the world.

Dettol Soap

In 1929, England, Dettol was brought to existence by Albert Leopold Reckitt & Dr. William Colebrook Reynolds. It was an antiseptic liquid, which when diluted, was suitable for human use. Initially, it was used for personal hygiene, which included hand washing. By 1933, Dettol had entered hospitals to help doctors fight sepsis, a disease taking lives of millions of mothers and children at and after childbirth. Doctors began to disinfect medical equipment with Dettol before every surgery. Within two years, Dettol had reduced the occurrence of puerperal sepsis by half. The science behind Dettol had also challenged the prevalent medical premises of the early 19th century. It was the general belief that any sickness or disease was a result of an imbalance of the body. Dettol argued that humans contract diseases upon coming in contact with germs through their everyday activities - a theory that would later be scientifically validated.

With the results having clearly exhibited Dettol's efficacy, the antiseptic liquid was then launched into overseas markets including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Canada, and South America, over the next few years. Dettol is now present in 124 countries.

Dettol Picture

Here is a picture of some of the most popular Dettol products in the iconic green and white packaging. The Dettol logo, which is a sword and a shield with the company name at the center. Dettol products have a distinct pine fragrance.

Dettol Soap Picture

From left to right: Dettol Soap, Dettol Hand Sanitizer, Dettol Antiseptic Liquid, Dettol Liquid Hand Wash
Source: Dettol.co.in

Dettol Antiseptic Liquid

Dettol offers a range of products in personal hygiene and health. The original Dettol, a multi-purpose antiseptic liquid, has been used for generations now. It can be used as a disinfectant on surfaces and in laundry; to treat wounds like cuts, scratches, abrasions, and insect stings. Additionally, it can be used to kill infection-causing bacteria and germs. Dettol guarantees to kill 100 illness-causing germs. The Dettol antiseptic liquid can also be used to treat acne and pimples, and dandruff. Dettol antiseptic liquid should not be used without dilution.

What is actually in Dettol?

Dettol antiseptic liquid is made of Chloroxylenol IP, Isopropyl Alcohol, Pine Oil, Caustic Soda Solution, Castor Oil, Caramel (color) and Water. The active ingredient, lending Dettol its antiseptic & disinfectant properties, is Chloroxylenol IP (4.8% w/v). Isopropyl Alcohol is the secondary antiseptic agent. The chemicals used can cause mild skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.

Dettol Hand Sanitizer

Dettol hand sanitizer gel can kill up to 99.99% of germs. It was also proven to be effective against the Covid-19 virus when used correctly. It does not need water and is suitable for all skin types. However, it cannot and should not be used as a complete replacement to hand wash using soap bar and water.

What is in Dettol Hand Sanitizer?

The chemical composition of Dettol hand sanitiser is as follows - Alcohol IP (Denatured) eq. to absolute alcohol 72.34% v/v, water, PEG/PPG-17/6, Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine, and perfume.

Dettol Soap

Dettol Soap claims to provide better protection than other ordinary soaps on the grounds that it can fight off 100 illness-causing germs. The Dettol antibacterial bar soap improves skin moisture and hydration and can be used on the face as well. The soap can be used to clean the whole body during a bath or used for hand wash. Dettol bar soap is made with the following ingredients - Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Aqua, Parfum, Talc, Sodium Chloride, Etidronic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Climbazole, Disodium Etidronate, Glycerin, CI 21100/CI 11680, and CI 12490. Dettol soap is also available in different fragrances in some countries.

Dettol Body Wash

In some markets, the Reckitt company also sells Dettol Body Wash (Shower Gel). Dettol Body Wash, just like all other Dettol products, protects the body against 100 illness-causing germs. The body wash is available in different fragrances, some promising additional benefits (such as, odor protection, long-lasting skin moisturizing, etc.), and makes the skin feel healthy and fresh. The Original Dettol Body Wash is made using Aqua, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide DEA, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Parfum, Chloroxylenol, Limonene, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Lactate, Citral, Sodium Ferrocyanate, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, and Methylisothiazolinone.

Dettol USA

It is difficult to find Dettol products in America, but with GetJaldi you can get it delivered right to your door with other Indian Groceries.