The effect of three industrial hand cleansers on transepidermal water loss (TWL) was evaluated in groups of healthy volunteers. After 2 weeks, subjects using Baracaide averaged 47 % less TWL than those using Swarfega and 35 % less than with Go-Jo. In a second study in printers, the use of Baracaide decreased TWL by 20 % after 2 weeks. Because it contains no volatile solvents, Baracaide may be less injurious to the barrier layer.