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Truth or Hype ... Does Antibacterial Soap Work?

Does antibacterial soap work? It's touted as a modern day germ fighter, but is it safe?

Hand washing has been the primary method of controlling the spread of infectious disease for over 100 years. In the 1950's antibacterial cleansers were introduced in the form of deodorant soaps.

Today, liquid soaps account for the largest share of antibacterial cleansers.

Fully 75% of liquid soaps and 30% of bar soaps have antimicrobial properties.

In fact, it is almost impossible to find liquid soap that does not include these agents.


Antibacterial Soap Dispenser

Antibacterial soap versus regular soap

First, antibacterial products are extremely harsh. They are drying, irritating, and can actually damage your skin with repeated use. Dermatologists rank these products among the top causes of skin problems.

Secondly, many physicians and scientists fear antimicrobial drug resistance will emerge. The current magnitude of usage in personal and household products rings an alarm. This concern is currently controversial. A definitive conclusion requires further research.

Finally, the active ingredient in these products is triclosan. Triclosan has been detected in human blood, urine, and breast milk, in addition to aquatic life. These findings confirm the need for additional study to determine long-term ramifications.

There are other factors to consider ...

Does antibacterial soap work best in certain situations?

According to the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), recommendations for antibacterial soap varies. Use is indicated for workers in occupations such as ...

  • Food handling
  • Childcare
  • Health care situations
and when in close contact with ...
  • Newborns
  • Elderly
  • Compromised immune system or infection
What about you ... in your everyday home situation? Does antibacterial soap work as claimed? The United States National Institutes of Health sponsored a yearlong study to determine just that ...

Antibacterial soaps ... are they effective in the home environment?

The conclusion of the study done in 2002 of 238 households...

Surprise! Ordinary soap and water worked just as well as antibacterial cleansers. Based on this, and other research, the following ...

Recommendations for the general public ...

Currently, no evidence suggests that use of antibacterial soap (containing 0.2% triclosan) provides a benefit over plain soap in reducing bacterial counts and rate of infectious symptoms in generally healthy persons in the household setting

...The United States Center for Disease Control

Until data emerge to show antimicrobials in consumer products are effective at preventing infection and have no detrimental effect on public health, they should be avoided." (emphasis mine)
...the American Medical Association (2005)

Does antibacterial soap work?

In your own home, with your own family, rely on good old-fashioned soap and water. Natural Soap of course! A pure, natural soap is kind to your skin and to the environment. Keep it simple, keep it natural.

Compare your hand washing habits with the CDC's proper hand washing technique.



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