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.

JPEG - Active Defence Mouthwash 400ml

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.

Kids gargling at school

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

1ml of saliva₆

1 cough = 200million viral particles₅

1 cough = 200million viral particles₅

1 cough = 200million viral particles₇

1 cough = 200million viral particles₇

Back of throat = viral load reservoir₈

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.

covid illustration

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.

coronavirus infographic

Important considerations

  1. Always follow local health authorities’ advice.
  2. Look out for the CPC Shield on Signal Active Defense bottles.
  3. Rinse with Signal Active Defense twice daily for at least 30 seconds as directed on the bottle.
  4. Gargle to reach the back of your throat (always follow pack instructions)
  5. 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.
reduce transmission of coronavirus

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

  • Is CPC Technology better than alcohol at reducing coronavirus in the mouth?

    Mouthwashes that contain alcohol (ethanol) typically contain it at 11–14%. Evidence suggests that when used at this concentration and for the normal duration recommended for mouth washing (30 seconds), ethanol is unlikely to be effective against viruses. For this reason, CPC Technology in a mouthwash is thought to be better at reducing the amount of coronavirus in our tests.

  • Why did Unilever carry out these studies?

    The studies follow ongoing discussions in the global medical and scientific community around the potential use of mouthwash as an additional measure to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Unilever conducted this research to see if certain types of mouthwash could potentially provide a further preventative measure which people can take to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

  • What do the results show?

    The results show that a cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouthwash is effective in reducing the amount of virus by 99.9% after 30 seconds of rinsing. We tested on a variety of formulations, and the one containing CPC Technology was the one that proved most effective. 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 help prevent spread of coronavirus.

  • How long does the effect of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) last?

    Previous studies from other scientists have shown that using a mouthwash could reduce the amount of virus for up to six hours in people’s mouths [include footnote: "Efficacy of commercial mouth-rinses on SARS-CoV-2 viral load in saliva: Randomized Contral Trial in Singapore (non-Unilever research)"]. This suggests that using mouthwash with CPC could provide protection against the spread of coronavirus for several hours.

  • Is cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) a treatment for COVID-19?

    No. The study results do not show that CPC is a treatment for COVID-19, nor a guarantee that it will prevent transmission of the virus. Established protective measures advised by health authorities should continue to be followed, including hand washing, physical distancing and wearing masks.

  • Is this safe for my family to use, and can my kids benefit from it?

    Please follow the usage instructions on pack. Signal Active Defense mouthwash is not suitable for children under the age of 12.

  • Is the mouthwash with CPC good for my mouth?

    Mouthwash with CPC Technology is proven to be efficacious for plaque prevention and as such plays an important role for good oral health. The product also provides reach to parts of the mouth that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush such as the back of the mouth and in between the teeth.

  • How often should CPC mouthwash be used?

    Use of Signal Active Defense mouthwash containing CPC Technology twice daily for 30 seconds is the recommended usage for good oral health. Gargling or a full rinse is the best usage in order to ensure covering all surfaces of the mouth. Our mouthwash containing CPC Technology should not be used by children under the age of 12 and you should always follow the on pack instructions before use.

References:

  1. Results subject to final audit
  2. Results subject to final audit
  3. Results subject to final audit
  4. Results subject to final audit
  5. https://www.pnas.org/content/117/22/11875
  6. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2196-x
  7. https://www.pnas.org/content/117/22/11875
  8. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2196-x
  9. Results subject to final audit