[UPDATED] Beauty brands switch production to ventilators, PPE and sanitiser to help fight coronavirus

Following government recommendation, salons, spas and non-essential stores have temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During this time, many professional beauty product brands have taken it upon themselves to channel their time and resources into manufacturing much-needed hand sanitisers and, in some cases, personal protective equipment, to meet shortages:

Dermalux manufacturer Aesthetic Technology develops ventilator 

The new, regulatory compliant, Aesthetic Technology C-19 Ventilator will be available for delivery around the world.  

The compact, portable ventilator is based on an existing design for which the company has a worldwide permissive licence from Medtronic to manufacture for the duration of the pandemic.

Managing director Dale Needham said, “As a registered medical device manufacturer, we felt that it was our duty to look at the feasibility of creating and manufacturing a fully compliant ventilator...Our C-19 Ventilator will be manufactured at our Warrington factory on a new production line set up specifically for this project.”

Gharieni manufactures face masks

During the Covid-19 pandemic, spa equipment specialist Gharieni has turned its attention to producing face masks with exchangeable nanofilters. Offering a filter efficiency between 80-93%, the material is consistent of PP spunbond/meltblown 37g/m2, nanofibers layer of polymer PVDF and PP spunbond 20g/m2.

While the filter is only exchangeable, the mask is washable at 60°C. For a close fit, the masks are available in both men’s and women’s versions.

Fashionizer manufactures protective masks

Spa supplier Fashionizer has diverted its resources to making washable face masks in London through its workroom team and a network of machinists. The masks are made from either 100% cotton or cotton performance fabric (CPF), a blend of organic cotton, polyester and lycra.

Fashionizer emphasised that the masks are not medical devices but that, according to the Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, they are better than no protection at all, especially to prevent the touching of noses and mouths.

 

Medik8 shifts its production to hand sanitisers

Following the expansion of its existing licence, which allows the company to produce 12,000 litres of hand sanitiser instead of its usual 3,000, cosmeutical brand Medik8 has spent three weeks creating the “Hygienic Hand Rub.” The skincare brand plans to distribute 4,000 bottles to care homes, homeless and vulnerable people, and the police for free, as well as making 1,000 available for free for online customers.

The 80% ethanol hand sanitiser is made in accordance with published World Heath Organization guidelines, is ethanol based, non-drying and non-sticky.

Medik8’s director of research Daniel Isaacs said, “We are lucky to be able to work in an environment that we can utilise our skills amidst this pandemic, and in doing so, can enable local communities to protect themselves as best they can.”

 

SBC launches 99% natural hand gel

Meanwhile, UK-based SBC Skincare has created its own line of hand sanitiser, selling 1,000 units within two hours of the product’s launch. The Cleanse and Protect Hand Gel is made from 99% natural ingredients, as well as being fragrance-free, antimicrobial and consisting of 60% alcohol.

 

Comfort Zone donates sanitising gel to those in need

Italian skincare brand Comfort Zone has established its own hand sanitising gel, Good Hope Gel, donating 100,000 bottles to those in need, including the charities Solidarity Forum, Red Cross, Intercral and Bethany Community.

Comfort Zone’s owner and president Davide Bollati commented: “We realised that launching our own hygiene gel was crucial during this emergency and we wanted to do something for the wider community.”

 

Proto-col design new Collagen Hand Gel

Beauty and wellness brand Proto-col has recently reorganised its production priorities to create the new Collagen Hand Gel. Ingredients include 70% alcohol, aloe vera and collagen, which supports the skin's cellular matrix.

The gel is available to purchase from their website, although the brand will be donating the gel to key workers, such as NHS nurses, doctors and employees, as well as care home staff and emergency service workers. Donations will begin in the Wiltshire area, with ambitions to take this further afield.

Beautylab donates new hand gel to Trussell Trust

Beautylab, distributed by Gerard International, has developed a new hand gel in 200ml and 500ml sizes to help those in need during coronavirus concerns.

The non-sticky and non-drying gel consists of 70% sanitising alcohol, radish root extract, white willow bark extract and aloe vera.

Beautylab will also be donating supplies of its hand gel to volunteers at the UK-based Trusell Trust, who provide vital help to those unable to afford food. 

Read about how you can help the fight against coronavirus with our guide to donating PPE to your local NHS hospitals and brand offers to support your business.