Cologne: A Disinfectant Or Just A Fragrance?

The question of whether cologne can be used as a disinfectant has been a topic of discussion, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While cologne contains a high percentage of alcohol, which is a known disinfectant, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Most colognes contain 60-85% alcohol, which is effective against common bacteria and viruses. However, it should not be used on open wounds or mucous membranes as it can damage tissues and cause irritation. Cologne is not suitable for sterilizing medical equipment and is not a replacement for hand sanitizers due to its strong scent and potential allergens. It is also not cost-effective for disinfecting clothes or surfaces. In conclusion, while cologne has some disinfectant properties, it should not be solely relied upon for disinfection, especially in critical situations.

Can cologne be used as hand sanitiser?

Cologne can be used as a hand sanitiser, but it is not recommended.

The Effectiveness of Cologne as a Disinfectant

Cologne can be used as a disinfectant because it often contains more than 60% ethyl alcohol. This high alcohol content gives cologne the ability to kill many types of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people in Turkey used kolonya, a traditional cologne with a high alcohol content, as hand sanitiser.

The Downsides of Using Cologne as Hand Sanitiser

Despite its disinfectant properties, cologne should not be used as a hand sanitiser for several reasons. Firstly, cologne is not designed to be used as a hand sanitiser and is not tested as a hygiene product. Therefore, if you experience an adverse reaction to using cologne in this way, the manufacturer would not be liable. Secondly, the amount of cologne required for effective disinfection would be much higher than the amount of hand sanitiser you would normally use, making it a costly and inefficient solution. Thirdly, cologne often contains fragrance oils which can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or photo-sensitisation. Finally, the strong scent of cologne may be overpowering when used on the hands.

Alternatives to Cologne as Hand Sanitiser

If you are considering using cologne as a hand sanitiser because you do not have access to commercial hand sanitiser, it is recommended to use soap and water to wash your hands instead. This is a more cost-effective and accessible solution that will effectively remove germs and viruses from your hands.

Can cologne disinfect clothes?

Cologne can disinfect items, but it is not recommended for use on clothes. Cologne is often made up of more than 60% ethyl alcohol, which is a known disinfectant. However, the amount of cologne needed to disinfect a single piece of clothing would be very high, making it an unviable option.

The high alcohol content in cologne can kill more than 80% of germs, and it has been used as a hand sanitiser. However, it is not a replacement for an effective alcohol-based hand sanitiser. The CDC recommends using hand sanitisers with 60-95% alcohol content, and cologne would fall within this range.

Cologne should only be used to disinfect non-critical items such as tabletops and other external surfaces. It should not be used on mucous membranes or open wounds as it can cause a severe burning sensation and damage tissues, delaying the healing process.

Furthermore, the use of cologne as a disinfectant would be very costly. A more cost-effective way to disinfect clothes is to wash them with soap or detergent.

In summary, while cologne does have disinfectant properties due to its high alcohol content, it is not suitable for disinfecting clothes due to the large quantity needed, the potential damage to certain materials, and the high cost.

Can cologne be used on wounds?

It is not advisable to use cologne on wounds. While cologne can be used as a disinfectant, it is not suitable for use on open skin or wounds.

Cologne, like perfume, often contains more than 60% alcohol, which is an effective disinfectant and antiseptic. However, the high alcohol content can cause a severe burning sensation and damage tissue on open wounds, delaying the healing process.

In addition, the fragrance compounds in cologne may cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Cologne is not intended for use on the skin in large amounts and certain oils and chemicals in the fragrance are restricted in their use.

Therefore, cologne should only be used to disinfect non-critical items and surfaces that come into contact with intact skin, but not open wounds or mucous membranes.

Is cologne more expensive than hand sanitiser?

While cologne can be used as a disinfectant, it is not a direct substitute for hand sanitiser.

Cologne typically has a high alcohol content, often exceeding the 60% ethyl alcohol required to be an effective disinfectant. However, cologne is not designed to be used as a hand sanitiser and is likely to be significantly more expensive per unit volume.

Hand sanitisers are available in a range of price points, from a few dollars to upwards of $5 per ounce. The price is largely dependent on the brand, format, and additional ingredients. For example, Touchland's Power Mist hand sanitiser, which comes in a range of scents and features additional moisturising ingredients, costs around $5 per ounce. In contrast, Purell, a well-known and widely available brand, offers hand sanitiser gels and wipes for under $2 per ounce.

Cologne, on the other hand, can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per ounce, depending on the brand and fragrance. For example, the Spanish cologne, Alvarez Gomez classic Aqua de Colonia Concentrada, costs around $8 for 240ml, which equates to about $0.03 per ounce. On the higher end, a bottle of cologne from Byredo, a luxury fragrance brand, can cost upwards of $100 for a 50ml bottle, or about $2 per ounce.

Therefore, while cologne can be used in a pinch as a disinfectant, it is generally much more expensive than hand sanitiser and should be reserved for its intended purpose as a fragrance.

Can cologne be used for sterilisation?

While cologne can be used as a disinfectant, it is not suitable for sterilisation.

Cologne, or perfume, can be used as a disinfectant due to its high alcohol content. Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Parfum typically contain over 60% ethyl alcohol, which is an effective agent for killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

However, cologne should not be used for sterilisation. While ethyl alcohol can kill most germs and microorganisms, it is not effective against certain spores and viruses such as hepatitis A and polio. Therefore, cologne should not be used to sterilise objects or medical equipment.

Additionally, cologne is not suitable for use on open wounds or mucous membranes as it can cause tissue damage and delay the healing process. It is also important to consider the cost of cologne, as using it for disinfection can be expensive and less cost-effective than alternative disinfectants or sanitisers.

Frequently asked questions