Antimicrobial Soap - Enhanced Protection Against Germs

Antimicrobial soap is a cleaning agent containing ingredients that help reduce or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes on the skin, providing enhanced protection against infections.
Category
Personal Care Product
Where to get
Available for purchase in stores and pharmacies
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Antimicrobial Soap FAQ


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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.

Which antimicrobial compound is used in soap?

Another antimicrobial compound used in soaps is triclocarban. This compound also has ring structures and chlorine groups, and its antimicrobial activity is similar to that of triclosan. Antibacterial soaps are a standard feature of hospitals and other health care facilities, where the need to control the spread of infections is essential.

What is an example of an antimicrobial soap?

Antimicrobial soaps are also a common part of the home. The ubiquitous bar of soap in the shower and by the bathroom sink is an example of an antimicrobial soap. The use of antibacterial soap began in the mid-nine-teenth century.

What is antimicrobial soap?

Antimicrobial soaps refer to solutions that are designed to lessen the number of living (viable) microorganisms on the surface of the skin. As they are usually rubbed on the skin during handwashing, the most common form of the antimicrobial product is a soap.

What do you need to know about antibacterial soap?

Here's what you need to know about antibacterial soap and the FDA's concerns. What Is Antibacterial Soap? Antibacterial soap contains active chemicals like TCS and triclocarban (TCC), which are added to kill bacteria.

What antibacterial ingredients are used in soap?

Triclosan and triclocarban are the most common compounds used as antibacterials in soaps. However, other common antibacterial ingredients in soaps include benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and chloroxylenol.

Antimicrobial Soap References

If you want to know more about Antimicrobial Soap, consider exploring links below:

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