Human topical research · n=15
Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil soap: a potential alternative for hand hygiene.
European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology · 2021
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Comparison of triclosan, tea-tree and chlorhexidine soaps with reference soap.
Checked against the published abstract on Oct 1, 2026. Read the source ↗
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial action of three soaps for hand hygiene (HH): 2.0% Tea Tree Oil (TTO); 0.5% triclosan; 2.0% chlorhexidine, and to explore the perception of healthcare professionals about TTO. Two-step study: a quantitative, to determine the logarithmic reduction of Escherichia coli K12 colony-forming units before and after HH of 15 volunteers and quali-quantitative, through interviews with 23 health professionals. All the three products demonstrated antimicrobial action (a log10 reduction factor of 4.18 for TTO, 4.31 for triclosan, 3.89 for chlorhexidine, and 3.17 for reference soap). Professionals remarked the pleasant aroma and non-dryness of skin when using soap containing TTO.
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