Are antibacterial soaps more effective at killing germs than regular soap? No, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In fact, some of the chemicals used in antibacterial soaps may actually be hazardous to your health.

In 2016, the FDA banned the use of certain chemicals found in consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes.

“The FDA's decision to limit the use of antibiotic soaps falls in line with the more conservative approach to bacterial infection control that we are taking as a medical community,” says Vikash Modi, M.D., a family medicine physician. “The chemicals being used in the soaps have significant cumulative risks and are now being reserved for food services and medical personnel. I anticipate further reductions and more education in the appropriate use of these soaps in even those settings in the future.”

What are antibacterial soaps?  

Antibacterial soaps contain chemicals intended to prevent bacterial infections. One of the main ingredients is triclosan, a chemical added to many consumer products to prevent bacterial contamination. However, there are concerns that too much exposure could lead to drug-resistant bacteria.  

How to practice proper hand hygiene

Though antibacterial soaps are no longer recommended, physicians recommend continuing to wash your hands with plain soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.

“Plain soap and water continue to be the gold standard for soiled hands,” Dr. Modi says. “And we also recommend regular use of the gel hand sanitizers after coughing and sneezing and prior to food consumption if soap and water aren't available."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following guidelines for handwashing:

• Use clean, running water to wet your hands and apply soap.

• Rub your hands together and lather the back of your hands and between the fingers and nails.

• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

• Rinse your hands with clean, running water.

• Dry your hands with a clean towel.

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