Ts. Dr. Norashikin produces safe Aureiz brand personal care and hygiene products

Kuantan, 21 September 2020 - A lecturer from the Faculty of Chemical & Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Ts. Dr. Norashikin Mohd Zain, who has more than ten years of research experience at the university, has successfully produced three personal care and hygiene products from safe ingredients, namely antimicrobial hand wash, antimicrobial body cleanser and antimicrobial space cleaning spray.

Under the brand of Aureiz, these products of Medieva Sdn. Bhd. are funded by the Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Startup Scheme (SUPERB), under the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU).

According to Ts. Dr. Norashikin, the hand wash is produced using safe antimicrobial substances, and it can clean hands from dirt, bacteria or viruses that cause diseases.

“It uses a gentle formulation that cleanses the skin without drying it. This hand wash is available in a variety of soothing fragrances such as lavender and vanilla.

“Meanwhile, the body wash is available in a variety of soothing fragrances such as lavender, rose and vanilla.

“There is a difference in these body’s cleanser products compared to other products where these products do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), parabens or alcohol.

She further explained that natural surfactant is used to produce foam. It is safe for users and the materials used are also environmentally friendly.

“The antimicrobial compounds in the products helps to kill germs.

“To help kill bacteria on the surface and ambience, we produce an antimicrobial spray.

“It consists of several antimicrobial materials to kill germs,” she said.

The product contains natural extracts to replace the use of chemicals and provide a fragrant smell. This antimicrobial spray can also be used in living rooms, bedrooms, mattresses, toilets, toys, garbage areas, car interior or any surface for cleaning purposes.

The spray comes in two refreshing scent options which are lavender and vanilla.

She added that the hand and body wash have obtained the approval notification from the Ministry of Health (MoH) Malaysia.

“These three products have also passed the recognition programme for lab tested from the Bioeconomy Corporation agency that verifies the materials used are safe.

“Our hands may seem clean, but it does not mean they are free from harmful microorganisms. 

“Everyone knows that it is important to keep our hands clean in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

“However, to what extent do we practise the proper handwashing steps?” she asked.
 
“Washing hands using soap and water is the best way to get rid of dirt, bacteria or viruses on the skin surface.

“Clean hands prevent the spread of microorganisms between individuals,” she said.

She advises the public to keep themselves, their families and the environment clean.

“For self-hygiene, follow the 7-step hand washing method issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH); use sufficient soap and clean water, scrub your palms, scrub each and every fingers and area between them, scrub your nail on your palm and the back of your hands.

“Then, rinse your hands with sufficient clean water thoroughly and dry your hand with a clean towel or hairdryer.

“Handwashing is an important step to prevent the spread of disease.

“Washing your hands using soap should be practised daily, not only to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” she said.

Also, handwashing must be practised among all ages. Children are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases because they are less cautious when rubbing their eyes or nose after touching things or somebody else.

They should be educated about the importance of washing hands in the right way, especially before eating and after using the toilets.

Parents also need to have a sense of awareness in washing hands and to educate the children.

The practice of the proper handwashing steps must also be implemented in child care centres.

This is because the preschoolers are susceptible to easily spread diseases when they mingle, and it should also be applied in schools to safeguard children’s health.