
Signal Active Defense Mouthwash with CPC Technology has arrived
Results of Unilever in vitro studies show that using a mouthwash containing CPC Technology could be an additional measure to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) Technology has a long history of use by the dental industry and is known for its antibacterial properties. It is a component in Signal Active Defense mouthwash, and will be available online and in store soon. Given the significance of the recent laboratory findings, we are working as fast as we can to make a plentiful supply available.
Results from a new Unilever study have revealed mouthwash containing CPC Technology could help reduce levels of coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) – known to cause COVID-19 – by 99.9%. This is not a cure but rather a further potential additional preventative measure, alongside other measures recommended by your health authority such as hand washing, mask wearing and social distancing.
Although the antibacterial properties of CPC Technology have been recognised for some time, recent Unilever in vitro research finds that mouthwash with CPC Technology may reduce coronavirus specifically. This research shows that mouthwashes containing CPC Technology could play an important role as an additional preventative measure against COVID-19 by helping to reduce viral transmission.

Image is for illustrative purposes only to show gargling in general. For Signal products please always follow the usage instructions on pack; not suitable for children under 12 years. Gargling has a long history of use in various countries; this image from 1935 was in the context of taking steps against influenza.
How could mouthwash with CPC Technology be an additional measure to help prevent the spread of coronavirus?
The virus that causes COVID-19 mainly spreads from person-to-person through droplets of exhaled saliva or discharge from the nose. Therefore, reducing the amount of virus in the mouth using mouthwash with CPC Technology could help to reduce the risk of passing on the virus. We tested on a variety of formulations, and the one containing CPC Technology was the one that proved most effective.

1ml of saliva₆

1 cough = 200million viral particles₅

1 cough = 200million viral particles₇

Back of throat = viral load reservoir₈
Mouthwash reaches three times more surface area in the mouth versus brushing alone, coming into contact with the surfaces of the mouth where the viral reservoirs are often located.
What is the evidence of mouthwash with CPC Technology reducing the amount of coronavirus?
Unilever worked with leading laboratories to carry out tests to see if mouthwash with CPC Technology might reduce the viral load of coronavirus. The research was done independently, in a controlled laboratory environment.
The results show that after 30 seconds of rinsing, the mouthwash formulation containing CPC Technology was effective in reducing the amount of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus by 99.9% . 30 seconds is the recommended usage of mouthwash, and the tests reflected this contact time. Therefore, these findings suggest that regular use of a mouthwash containing CPC Technology, could be an additional measure to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Unilever research results provides evidence that usingmouthwash with CPC Technology might be an additional important measure to help reduce transmission of the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, in addition to other everyday preventative measures included in existing public health guidelines like washing your hands, covering your face and creating space through physical distancing.

Important considerations
- Always follow local health authorities’ advice.
- Look out for the CPC Shield on Signal Active Defense bottles.
- Rinse with Signal Active Defense twice daily for at least 30 seconds as directed on the bottle.
- Gargle to reach the back of your throat (always follow pack instructions)
- Use in addition to the other preventative measures recommended by health authorities – if you suspect you have the virus you should follow your health authorities’ advice.

Look out for CPC Technology in Signal Active Defense mouthwash
Improve your oral hygiene with Signal Active Defense with CPC Technology. Use it twice daily, alongside everyday preventative and protective measures like handwashing, physical distancing and mask wearing, to help reduce the spread of coronavirus to others. Use together with your toothpaste for good oral health.
FAQ
References:
- Results subject to final audit
- Results subject to final audit
- Results subject to final audit
- Results subject to final audit
- https://www.pnas.org/content/117/22/11875
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2196-x
- https://www.pnas.org/content/117/22/11875
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2196-x
- Results subject to final audit