The common household product often labeled “antibacterial soap” is designed to reduce or prevent bacterial infection. These products are widely available to consumers and are distinct from standard soaps, primarily due to the inclusion of specific chemical ingredients. Many people might choose these soaps believing they offer superior protection against germs and illnesses in daily life.
What Makes Antibacterial Soap Different?
Antibacterial soaps contain active chemical ingredients not found in plain soaps, added to reduce or prevent bacterial growth. Historically, common active ingredients included triclosan and triclocarban, used in many consumer hand and body washes. These chemicals were designed to kill or inhibit bacteria on the skin through a biochemical mechanism. In contrast, plain soap works by mechanically lifting dirt, oil, and microbes from the skin, which are then rinsed away with water.
Is Antibacterial Soap More Effective?
There is insufficient evidence to show that antibacterial soaps are more effective at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded in 2016 that manufacturers had not demonstrated these active ingredients were either safe for long-term daily use or more effective than plain soap and water. This led to a final rule under which 19 active ingredients, including triclosan and triclocarban, could no longer be marketed in consumer wash products. The primary benefit of handwashing comes from the mechanical action of scrubbing and rinsing, regardless of the soap type.
Concerns with Antibacterial Soap Use
The widespread use of certain antibacterial chemicals, like triclosan, has raised several public health and environmental concerns. A primary concern is the potential for contributing to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria may become less susceptible to antibiotics over time, creating “superbugs”. These ingredients may also affect hormone regulation in animals and disrupt the body’s natural microbiome. When washed down drains, these chemicals can accumulate in waterways, posing risks to aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Such concerns prompted regulatory actions.
Recommended Hand Hygiene
For most everyday situations, plain soap and water remain the recommended and most effective method for hand hygiene. Following simple handwashing practices is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness. To wash hands properly:
Wet hands with clean, running water.
Apply soap and lather thoroughly by rubbing hands together.
Scrub all surfaces of the hands, including palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails, for at least 20 seconds.
Rinse well under running water.
Dry with a clean towel.