Antibacterial Soap vs Regular Soap: Is Antibacterial Better?

For years, antibacterial soap was marketed as the safer choice. The evidence did not back that up.

What the FDA decided

In 2016, the FDA issued a rule saying that over-the-counter consumer antiseptic wash products containing certain active ingredients, including triclosan and triclocarban, can no longer be marketed. Manufacturers had not shown that these ingredients were safe for long-term daily use or more effective than plain soap and water.

The FDA's consumer advice is simple: skip the antibacterial soap and use plain soap and water.

Why plain soap works

Plain soap lifts dirt, oils and germs from your skin so they can be rinsed away. Proper technique matters more than special ingredients. See how does soap clean.

What the rule did not cover

• Hand sanitizers.
• Antiseptic products used in hospitals and other health care settings.

Natural soap is "regular soap"

Natural soaps, castile soap and handmade bars are all plain soap. They clean just as well for everyday handwashing when you scrub for at least 20 seconds.

Why the FDA was concerned

The FDA asked manufacturers for data showing that antibacterial ingredients were safe for long-term daily use and worked better than plain soap. For the 19 ingredients covered by the 2016 rule, including triclosan and triclocarban, that data was not provided, so products containing them could no longer be sold as consumer antiseptic washes. The FDA also noted open questions about effects of long-term exposure and about bacterial resistance.

How to check your soap

• Look for a 'Drug Facts' box on the label. Soaps that make antibacterial or antiseptic claims are regulated as drugs and must list an active ingredient.
• Some remaining consumer antiseptic washes use ingredients such as benzalkonium chloride, which the FDA deferred ruling on while more data was gathered.
• Plain soap, castile soap and most natural soaps have no Drug Facts box, because they make no drug claims.

Antibacterial soap at home: when does it make sense?

For everyday handwashing, plain soap is enough. In health care settings, professionals follow specific protocols that may include antiseptic products. If someone in your household has a weakened immune system or a specific medical need, ask their care team what they recommend.

Common myths

• 'Natural soap is antibacterial.' Some brands say this, but plain soap mainly removes germs rather than killing them, and that works well.
• 'More foam means more germs removed.' Scrubbing time and rinsing matter more than bubbles.
• 'Hand sanitizer is better than washing.' Washing with soap is preferred when hands are visibly dirty or greasy; sanitizer is a backup.

When to use hand sanitizer

When soap and water are not available, the CDC suggests a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Wash with soap when you can, especially if hands are visibly dirty.

Step by step: how to wash your hands properly.