Unilever Forest Balsam

2020: Identification of the effectiveness of the oral rinse formula in suppressing the activity of the virus strain SARS-CoV-2

On November 12, 2020, Unilever announced that it had received preliminary results from a laboratory study demonstrating that the Lesnoy Balsam oral rinse formulation of Russian rinses containing CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride - cetyl pyridinium chloride) at a concentration of 0.07% suppresses the activity of the virus strain SARS-CoV-2 by 99.9% after 30 seconds - that is, after the recommended time for rinsing. The study was conducted in the independent international laboratory Microbac Laboratories, on behalf of the research center Unilever Research Laboratories. Cetylpyridinium chloride is a broad-spectrum antibacterial component with proven efficacy in oral hygiene products as an antinalet and anti-caries asset, suitable for regular use.

Distribution of SARS-CoV-2

According to the company, the preliminary results of the study conducted on the strain of SARS-CoV-2 virus complement Unilever's previous study on the virus surrogate, published on the bioRxiv4 platform, and are a logical continuation of the extensive discussion in the international medical community and the media around the use of oral rinses as an additional measure to reduce virus transmission. The Unilever study is one of the scientific papers evaluating the effects of rinses on viral activity. According to the results for January 2020, only rinses containing CPC show a stable positive effect. Study of rinse effect duration continues.

The strain of SARS-COV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 spreads airborne, mainly in coughing or sneezing, which occurs before, during and after the acute phase of the disease, as well as in asymptomatic cases. The study results suggest that the use of an oral rinse containing CPC could potentially be a valuable addition to day-to-day protections during the pandemic, which include hand washing, physical distance adherence and wearing a mask.

The results of this study are a major step towards understanding how oral rinses can help limit the spread of the virus along with other measures. Research is ongoing, however, we are sharing preliminary results so that people can think about the feasibility of using an oral rinse with CPC content in everyday hygiene. told Gulnara AKHMETOVA, PhD chemical , Head of Research and Development Category Cosmetic Products Unilever in, and Russia To Ukraine Belarus

As of November 2020, CPCs at a concentration of 0.07% contain three brand names, however, based on the results of the study, Unilever decided to increase the CPC content in all rinses of the Lesnoy Balsam brand to this concentration, which will be implemented by the end of 2020.

Efficacy of the Forest Balm oral rinse formula in suppressing viral strain activity SARS-CoV-2

The oral rinse is available and easy to use and can easily be incorporated into everyday hygiene. At the same time, the rinse does not guarantee a complete stop of the transmission of the virus from person to person: the Unilever product is a cosmetic product and is not used for the purpose of treatment.