Difference Between Dettol and Betadine

The key difference between Dettol and betadine is that the active ingredient in Dettol is chloroxylenol compound, whereas the active ingredient in betadine is iodine.

Both Dettol and betadine are antiseptic substances. The term antiseptic is used to name antimicrobial substances that we can apply on living tissues or skin in order to reduce any infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. Generally, we can distinguish these substances from antibiotics through the fact that antibiotics are able to safely destroy bacteria that exists inside the body, while antiseptic substances can destroy bacteria on the living tissues or skin.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Dettol
3. What is Betadine
4. Dettol vs Betadine in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Dettol vs Betadine

What is Dettol?

Dettol is a brand name for a type of antiseptic substance introduced by Reckitt (a British company). This substance was introduced in 1932. It is useful as a cleaning supply where we can use it for antiseptic and disinfectant purposes. This antiseptic is sold in Germany under the brand name Sagrotan. However, some products of Dettol were named Dettox before 2002. The Dettol market is worldwide.

Dettol contains chloroxylenol as its active ingredient. This active ingredient results in its antiseptic properties. Chloroxylenol has the chemical formula C8H9ClO. It is an aromatic chemical compound. Usually, this substance makes up about 4.8% of the total admixture of Dettol. The rest of the Dettol mixture contains pine oil, isopropanol, castor oil, soap, and water. Therefore, we can observe that Dettol exists mainly in a liquid state in its common use, but there are solid soaps as well. However, in 1978, the household Dettol was reported to consist of chloroxylenol, terpinol, and ethyl alcohol mainly.

Dettol vs Betadine

The original liquid of Dettol, which has antiseptic and disinfectant properties, appears in light yellow color and is in a concentrated form. Some of the ingredients in Dettol are water-soluble. But some ingredients are not soluble in water. Therefore, we can observe the formation of a milky emulsion when we add Dettol to water. It exhibits the ouzo effect.

There are some other products of Dettol other than the antiseptic liquid, which include Dettol antibacterial surface cleanser and Dettol antibacterial Wipes, which contain benzalkonium chloride as their active ingredient.

What is Betadine?

Betadine is an antiseptic solution that contains a complex of iodine. Betadine solution was introduced in the 1960s, and it has wide use as an iodophor in modern clinical applications. Furthermore, povidone-iodine (PVP-iodine) is the active substance in Betadine; it is a complex of polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone or PVP).

Betadine antiseptic solution

In addition to PVP, molecular iodine (9.0% to 12.0%) is also present in Betadine. i.e., 100 ml of Betadine solution contains about 10 g of Povidone-iodine. It is also now available in different formulas such as solution, cream, ointment, spray, and wound dressings.

What is the Difference Between Dettol and Betadine?

Dettol is a brand name for a type of antiseptic substance introduced by its manufacturer, Reckitt (a British company). Betadine is an antiseptic solution that contains a complex of iodine. The key difference between Dettol and betadine is that the active ingredient in Dettol is chloroxylenol compound, whereas the active ingredient in betadine is iodine. Dettol is used for cleaning wounds, cleaning surfaces, antiseptic, and disinfectant properties, while betadine is useful as iodophor in modern clinical applications, treating wounds, etc.

The following infographic summarizes the difference between Dettol and betadine in tabular form.

Summary – Dettol vs Betadine

Both Dettol and betadine are antiseptic substances. The key difference between Dettol and betadine is that the active ingredient in Dettol is chloroxylenol compound, whereas the active ingredient in betadine is iodine.