For Immediate Release - June 21, 2021

Mask Defender, based in Guelph, Ontario, has launched an antiviral, antibacterial portable protective spray that has also combats an all-too-common side effect associated with wearing face masks - ‘maskne,’ or mask-caused acne. 

Spraying Mask Defender on a mask or any other surface eliminates all forms of viruses, bacteria, and fungus/mould. Mask Defender addresses ‘maskne’ by reducing inflammation and by targeting acne-causing bacteria. Its alcohol-free properties allow for skin to be treated, but not dried out or irritated. The spray comes in a reusable glass bottle perfect for pockets and purses, and it is also available in a plastic bottle with a carabiner for clipping on knapsacks and gym bags.

The team of Mask Defender researchers has put in over a decade of work on the formulation, in areas such as biochemistry, microbiology, human health and safety, and regulation. Mask Defender uses an active ingredient that has been approved by regulators for over 50 years.

“Perfecting the product formulation has been an exercise in patience, but well worth it,” says Richard V. Hughes, Professional Engineer and co-founder of Mask Defender. “We’ve been working on this formulation for other commercial applications, but when COVID-19 hit, we shifted our focus and have been working to provide a personal protection product that anyone can use.”

Before launching, the Mask Defender team of interdisciplinary researchers worked together to meet the long list of requirements they had set for themselves: the product had to be safe enough to be used by children, environmentally friendly, cruelty-free, alcohol-free, portable, fast-drying, and most importantly, it needed to effectively combat all forms of viruses and bacteria. After 15 years of perfecting the formula and ensuring all items on the list were checked off, the company has proudly launched Mask Defender as an ideal personal protection accessory for all Canadians.

Mask Defender is available for online purchase at maskdefender.ca and can be shipped anywhere in Canada.

Mask Defender is a Guelph-based company that produces safe and effective antiviral and antibacterial consumer products. The Mask Defender product was born out of 15 years of work, study and collaboration in the fields of biochemistry, microbiology, human health and safety, and regulation. The Mask Defender product formulation is proven effective against all forms of viruses, bacteria, fungus/mould, and acne.

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