Liquid bandages are intended for use on clean, dry wounds to facilitate closure and promote healing. Many commercial brands are available, and while the active ingredients are usually the same across various brands, the additives may vary. Liquid bandage research is an ongoing effort to improve functionality, availability and uses.
Carrier
The largest component of any liquid bandage is the carrier, or vehicle of the adhesive component. Most commercial liquid bandages contain an alcohol component, referred to as isooctane, as the base ingredient. This is the ingredient responsible for the initial sting when placed on a cut. The isooctane also allows the bandage to dry within minutes. Application of an additional alcohol on the cut will disrupt the polymer-alcohol mix in the bandage and remove it. Not all liquid bandages contain alcohol, however, as some use a permeable liquid base.
Polymer
Polymers come in many forms and usually have the longest scientific-sounding name on the label. Polymers are the nontoxic glue in liquid bandages and may read as methyacrylate or acrylate, but will always have the word "polymer" somewhere in the mix. The chemical composition of this skin polymer is only a few molecules away from that used in commercial hair preparations such as hairspray. The polymer is engineered to start breaking down after only a few days.
Additives
Most commercial liquid bandages have additional additives promoted to heal the wound faster. These additives can include an antiseptic component, which is sometimes the alcohol carrier or an additional component to prevent bacterial growth in the cut. Nexcare's 3M liquid bandage has an additive of tea tree oil, a herbal preparation known for its antimicrobial effects when used topically. The U.S. Army has engineered a liquid bandage that harbors lidocaine and antibiotics to effectively block wound pain and stop infectious processes.
