In a podcast shared by Raj Shamani on YouTube on April 1, dermatologist Dr Manjot Marwah said that one should not apply Dettol on wounds or injuries. She claimed that Dettol burns a wound, which will make the healing process longer.
A dermatologist recently claimed that Dettol burns the wound, making the healing process longer.
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Now, Dettol's parent company Reckitt has responded to the claims, dismissing them completely.
Response from Reckitt
A spokesperson from Reckitt tells Hindustan Times, “We have come across a podcast featuring a self-proclaimed dermatologist targeting Dettol Antiseptic Liquid (ASL). The claims made by this individual are completely incorrect, baseless, mischievous, and unscientific. This podcast appears to have been aired with the clear intent to tarnish the reputation of Dettol, a household name.”
“Interestingly and very mischievously, this individual though wrongly describes the attributes of Dettol ASL, which is a drug, she does not specifically refer to ASL deliberately to create fears in the minds of gullible consumers over Dettol range of products. Reckitt Benckiser India (the Company) is aware of this malicious campaign and is in the process of taking appropriate steps, including strict legal action under applicable laws,” they added.
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“The Company assures its consumers that Dettol ASL is an approved drug by Govt Drug Authority (FDA) and is a well-known antiseptic for killing germs on the human body and preventing sepsis. Due to its efficacy and reputation, Dettol is also endorsed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
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“The Company assures its consumers that Dettol ASL is an approved drug by Govt Drug Authority (FDA) and is a well-known antiseptic for killing germs on the human body and preventing sepsis. Due to its efficacy and reputation, Dettol is also endorsed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
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"Dettol is an iconic product that has been sold globally for over 90 years for first aid, wound cleansing, and other uses. The Company reassures its consumers that all Dettol products meet stringent safety standards for use on the skin. We caution our valued consumers not to pay heed to such motivated and agenda-driven views from so-called dermatologists. The Company is in the process of initiating appropriate action against these claims."
'Don't apply Dettol on wounds'
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In the podcast, Dr Manjot said no dermatologist ever tells their patients to clean any wound or injury with Dettol. She advised, “You should clean it with water. Dettol burns the wound, which will make your healing process longer.” When inquired that when Dettol or Savlon - popular antiseptic liquids found in every Indian household - is used in every clinic, then why one can't use them? The dermat cleared that this is not the case. Instead, doctors or dermats use Betadine.
Dr Manjot revealed, “You can talk about school; you can say that Dettol was applied in school. But a dermatologist is never going to clean anyone's skin with Dettol or Savlon.”
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Meanwhile, according to Mayo Clinic, the correct way to clean your wound is to keep it under running water to lower the risk of infection. Next, wash around the wound with soap. But don't get soap in the wound. And don't use hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.
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