Abstract
Antibacterial gels offer an efficient hygiene in the absence of soap and water. The most part of these products are based on mixtures of different antibacterial and fungicide substances dissolved in an alcohol. Unfortunately, all cosmetic products containing alcohols wash the sebum and dry the skin. In the present study, alcohol-free antibacterial hydrogels were obtained through the synthesis of polyurethane (PU) microstructures with an increased amount of surfactant; 5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole derivatives were used as active compounds inside the PU microstructures as antibacterial agents. There were studied: the pH of samples, the size and stability of PU microstructures, the skin irritation, sebum level and the hydration of stratum corneum using the mouse model and their efficiency against Escherichia coli. The results indicate that were obtained hydrogels with a slightly acid pH, PU microstructures with sizes between 185 and 265 nm and with a medium stability. It was found that these new antibacterial hydrogels do not produce an important modification of skin parameters (erythema, melanin, sebum and hydration of stratum corneum) and are efficient against E. coli.
Keywords: E. coli; erythema; pH; sebum; stratum corneum