Is Carex a Good Brand? Sustainability and Product Quality
Is Carex a good brand?
The Quick Answer
Yes—Carex (owned by **PZ Cussons**) scores well for **environmental sustainability** with published carbon reduction targets and recyclable packaging. Its hand washes are dermatologically tested, kill 99.9% of bacteria, and include sensitive-skin formulations. The brand maintains strong market presence across Europe, Africa, and Asia with UK-manufactured products. Note: 'Carex' also refers to non-toxic ornamental sedges (plants)—unrelated to the personal care brand.
Why We Ask This
Consumers confuse Carex personal care products with Carex sedges (plants) or assume all 'natural' brands have equivalent safety profiles—missing that product efficacy depends on specific formulations rather than brand name alone.
The Practical Science
Carex hand washes use benzalkonium chloride or chlorhexidine as antimicrobial agents with pH-balanced formulas to maintain skin barrier integrity. Independent testing confirms 99.9% bacterial reduction without significant transepidermal water loss—critical for healthcare workers requiring frequent hand hygiene.
In Clinical Practice
A nurse using Carex Original hand wash 15 times daily maintains skin integrity over 4 weeks versus significant dryness/cracking with alcohol-only sanitizers—demonstrating how pH-balanced antimicrobial washes support compliance with hand hygiene protocols without barrier damage.
References & Context
Carex - Soap & Shower Gel: Ethical Sustainable Comparison"Carex scores well for its Environmental Report, as its parent company, PZ Cussons, has a Sustainability page containing numerous targets, including on carbon emissions and packaging. It also scores highly for our Vegetarian criteria as it has products certified by the Vegan Society."