Antibacterial Hand Soap: Benefits and Proper Use

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What is an antibacterial soap & handwash?

An antibacterial soap or handwash includes ingredients with active antimicrobial activity. Triclosan has been the most common active antiseptic ingredient used in these products since their introduction in the 1960s. Plain soaps do not contain these ingredients or make claims of being active against harmful microbes.

Does hand soap have antibacterial ingredients?

The FDA says a Drug Fact Label is another sign a hand soap or body wash has antibacterial ingredients in it. Antibacterial soap still kills bad bacteria, but it shouldn’t be overused. It's easy to find in most stores. Overuse of antibacterial products can reduce the healthy bacteria on your skin.

What is antibacterial soap?

Also known as antiseptic soap or antimicrobial soap, antibacterial soaps contain certain chemicals not included in plain soap. The purpose of adding these chemicals is to reduce or prevent bacterial infection. Water, coupled with plain soap, loosens the grip of almost all surface germs.

How effective is antimicrobial hand soap?

Alcohol-based hand rubs and washing with plain soap and water can be as effective at reducing micro-organisms on the skin as antimicrobial soaps. Adhikari U, Esfahanian E, Mitchell J, Charbonneau D, Song X, Lu Y. Quantitation of risk reduction of E. coli transmission after using antimicrobial hand soap.

Should you wash your hands with antibacterial soap?

So, while washing your hands with antibacterial soap can’t guarantee you won’t catch a cold, the flu or anything else, it’s a great step in preventing such infections. And, remember, when you do wash your hands, don’t take any shortcuts. Make sure you wash your hands at the right times and do it correctly, too.

What Is Antibacterial Hand Soap

1. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/difference-between-antibacterial-soap-plain-soap
2. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-problem-with-antibacterial-soap-4125914
3. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/antibacterial-soap

Antibacterial Hand Soap Information

1. https://hha.org.au/resources/statements/anti-bacterial-soaps
2. https://dalconhygiene.com.au/anti-bacterial-hand-soap-vs-regular-hand-soap-whats-the-difference/