With public concern over superbugs, there was an increasing need for an over-the-counter product that cleaned hands effectively (unlike alcohol hand gels), successfully killed bacteria and was kind to the skin.

What is Silvatec®?

Silvatec® is a highly effective cleansing bar delivering a powerful long lasting antimicrobial action. The technology used in Silvatec® has been developed from a highly sophisticated science used and approved by the healthcare industry internationally.

What does it do?

Silvatec® contains Corglaes®Ag, a unique mineral based polymer that releases antimicrobial silver ions during the washing process. The combination of ingredients in Silvatec® provides both a moisturising barrier and long lasting antimicrobial protection. Silvatec® has been tested to BS EN 1276 and has been proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria including MRSA, Clostridium difficille, E-Coli Enterococcus hirae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

How does Silvatec® work?

Silvatec

Corglaes®Ag ensures an optimum and continuous release of silver ions1, 2. The silver is suspended between oxygen bridges forming part of the molecular structure of the polymer. On exposure to water during washing the oxygen bridges are hydrolysed releasing silver ions onto the skin3. These silver ions have antimicrobial properties4.

The unique aspect of Silvatec® is that it provides a highly effective delivery system for antimicrobial silver ions released from Corglaes®. Unlike products containing silver, silver salts and complexes, the silver released from Corglaes® and delivered by Silvatec® Cleansing Bar is more readily available in its ionic form.

The ions deposit on the skin surface forming an oligo-dynamic balance with the surrounding environment providing long lasting antimicrobial protection.

Independent testing has demonstrated that silver ions deposited onto skin have a long lasting effect against a range of pathogenic micro-organisms. In order to maintain an effective antimicrobial action a continuous supply of fresh silver ions is required. A single wash will provide this supply of active ions. As skin cells are continuously renewed and dead cells shed, then regular washing with Silvatec® will help maintain that supply.

Many antimicrobial products such as alcohol gels remove naturally occurring oils from the skin surface and are not designed to remove dirt. Whilst these products provide short term antimicrobial protection the removal of these oils can lead to drying, soreness and the potential for re-infection.

Silvatec® includes ingredients that moisturise and help improve skin feel. In combination with the released silver ions the effect is to supplement the skins natural balance and provide antimicrobial protection.

How does Silver work?

CorglaesAg® silver ions are released continuously at a controlled rate by hydrolysation of the polymer. The release of silver ions from the surface is designed to maintain an effective concentration at and near the surface of the material. Once the silver ion leaves the surface of the matrix and reaches the surface of the microorganism, its mechanism of antimicrobial action begins. Uptake of silver ions by a microbial cell can occur by several mechanisms, including passive diffusion and active transport by systems that normally transport essential ions.

It is widely believed that the antimicrobial properties of silver depend upon silver binding within the cell. Once inside the cell, silver ions begin to interrupt critical functions of the micro-organisms and they quickly die.

Is it safe, for me and the environment?

Silvatec® is made from vegetable derived soap base. This is expected to be in excess of 99% bio-degradable.

Silvatec® is suitable for vegetarians and has not been tested on animals.

The product has been subjected to a full toxicological assessment and regulatory review. The conclusion of this is that there is unlikely to be any adverse health effect when used in any reasonable and foreseeable way.

How is it better than other products?

The science used in Silvatec® Cleansing Bar is unique and has been developed by a leading company in the area of antimicrobial polymers.

The soluble polymer delivery system releases only the required amount of silver antimicrobial ions.

Silvatec® contains both a moisturiser and skin feel additive which in combination with silver create a protective and long lasting barrier on the skin.

Silvatec® has been tested to BS EN 1276 and has been proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria including MRSA, Clostridium difficille, E-Coli, Enterococcus hirae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

For further information please visit https://www.natural-alternative-products.co.uk/product/silvatec-cleansing-bar/