It’s Day 4 of Blogtober, and today I thought I would answer a question I get asked quite often about antibacterial soap.
Some people seem to think that an antibacterial soap will be “stronger” or “cleaner” somehow, but for everyday washing at home? The answer is a resounding ‘No’, ordinary soap and water are enough. “Antibacterial” sounds reassuring, doesn’t it? Like your soap has had extra training and turned up wearing a tiny security badge. But labelling a soap as ‘antibacterial’ doesn’t mean that your hands, or anywhere else for that matter, will be any cleaner.
Isn’t killing bacteria the whole point?
Washing with soap and water helps remove dirt and germs from your skin so you can rinse them away. Your soap doesn’t need added antibacterial ingredients to do that job.
The NHS advises that washing your hands properly with soap and water removes dirt, viruses and bacteria, helping to stop infections spreading. Its everyday handwashing guidance calls for soap, a thorough wash, rinsing and drying, without specifying an antibacterial soap. So no, you don’t need to go hunting for the most intimidating bottle on the shelf.
Could antibacterial ingredients contribute to resistance?
There’s another reason to question whether we need them in everyday soap. Research has shown that some antibacterial ingredients, including triclosan, can favour bacteria that are less susceptible to them. Laboratory studies have also found links with resistance to certain antibiotics.
That doesn’t mean every antibacterial handwash is a tiny superbug factory. But it does raise a sensible question: why add an ingredient we don’t need, when ordinary soap and water already do the everyday job?
“Antibacterial” might sound like an upgrade, but for your bathroom sink, it’s an unnecessary one.
What really matters is how you wash
A quick splash, a vague rub of of soap and wiping your hands on your jeans isn’t quite the routine we’re aiming for. 😂 For handwashing, the NHS recommends around 20 seconds of washing, (roughly the time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday twice), making sure you clean your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, your thumbs and your fingertips. Then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Why I don’t make antibacterial soap
My soap is made for everyday washing. I don’t add antibacterial ingredients or make antibacterial claims, because a well-used bar of ordinary soap does the job you need it to do. I’d much rather make you a lovely bar you actually enjoy using, and encourage you to wash properly.
Note – If a healthcare professional has asked you to use a particular antiseptic/antibacterial wash, follow their advice. That’s a different situation from choosing soap for your bathroom sink. But for the everyday stuff, keep it simple: soap, water and a thorough wash.
No tiny security badge required.
Vicki x
