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The trigger action pump spray dispenses the right amount of product - this avoids wastage. Testers liked the clever little security clip which helps to stop spillages. The 500mls bottle is cost-effective, but this product is more expensive than many other antibacterial products. However, Testers commented they would be more than happy to pay a little extra for this.

One Tester trialled the toy sanitizer in a children's hospital ward. She was impressed with the effectiveness of the product, and pleased that, unlike more conventional alcohol-based products, Bentley Organic toy sanitizer proved to be really kind to hands.

Knowing that the toy sanitizer was proven to kill 99.9 % of household germs gave Testers the peace-of-mind they needed to change brand. Whether they tested the product at home, at the nursery or in a clinical setting where toys and hard surfaces (including high chairs, table tops and kitchen units) need to be hygienically clean, all Testers agreed the Bentley Organic toy sanitizer is a winner!

Here are some of the Testers’ comments:

• Pleasing to the eye and simple to see what the product is for
• I like the fact that it doesn’t spray everywhere, like some other sprays
• Less harsh chemicals, smells nicer and I needed less
• It would be ideal for a playgroup
• I loved everything about this product!
• I liked the trigger spray and the fresh aroma it left
• Its natural, environmentally friendly and safe for my child
• I would carry this one (seriously my bag is gigantic!) But a smaller one would be handy too
• I would rather use this than a chemically harsher product

Methodology of TIPS Awards..!

For this trial we sent out ten bottles of Bentley Organic toy sanitizer to parents with children aged six months to two years of age. We chose this age group because a child’s immune system is better developed after the age of two and there is less need to sanitize toys.  Children are able to wash their own hands by this time and they are less likely to put toys in their mouth.

Parents are becoming more aware of the potential risks associated with the use of personal care products on the skin of babies and children, but what about the antibacterial products used to clean hard surfaces or toys? Although their use presents similar risks, it is difficult to find safe alternative products to protect our little ones from infection.

The Bentley™ Organic toy sanitizer is not meant for use on the skin, but your baby or child will come into contact with toys or surfaces cleaned by this product. For this reason we have decided to implement the same methodology and criteria we use when testing baby wipes and baby skincare products. This is described below.

Manufacturers are asked to:

• include the following (or similar) statement in their marketing information whether on pack, in leaflets or online: “Recent research suggests that it is safer to use plain water for baby skincare for at least the first month of life”.
• submit the full International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) list of chemical ingredients for each product to TIPS Ltd before any trial (ideally this list should be posted online on the company website so it is available for anyone to refer to). Full Latin names must be used and every ingredient must be listed
• agree to follow the TIPS principles of safe baby skincare practices. In line with the most up-to-date national guidelines, these principles are explained in the Babycare-back to basics™ leaflet. This information can be accessed online and printed copies are available on request. TIPS safe baby skincare principles must be promoted in advertising and marketing material.

Ingredients - Products will be excluded if they contain:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
• Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)
• Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben)
• Phthalates
• Triclosan
• Propylene Glycol (PG)
• DEA (diethanolamine)
• MEA (monoethanolamine)
• TEA (triethanolamine)
• Methylchloroisothiazolonone (MIT) or Methylisothiazolinone (MIT).

Products may be excluded if they contain:

• Phenoxyethanol (preservative)
• Benzoates (Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate)
• petrochemicals
• synthetic fragrances
• essential oils
  

As you can see, there are many aspects of design & formulation to assess when testing this seemingly simple product. A well-designed antibacterial spray should:

• includes a list of all ingredients on-pack and online
  be safe for use around children
• be organically certified by the Soil Association
  pass the British Standard BSCN 1276 as a surface cleaner to kill bacteria
• not contain harsh ingredients or unnecessary additives
• be made in the UK from bio-degradable materials, and
• be sold in recyclable packaging.

This can only be achieved when manufacturers pay close attention to detail at all stages of the manufacturing process.

I hope you will agree that Bentley Organic toy sanitizer fulfils this brief.

After these detailed tests and feedback we are delighted to have won the TIPS Award and will of course continue to work on providing our customers the highest quality certified organic products, at a great price. Ensuring we fulfill our statement 'Of the Earth not Costing the Earth'

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