Do antibacterial hand hygiene products help to prevent the spread of germs and disease?
Topical antibacterial products reduce or eliminate bacteria that can lead to skin infections, intestinal illness or other commonly transmitted disease. Dozens of independent studies have shown that these products produce real world results – from decreasing school teacher absenteeism to lowering infection rates in a long term care facility (please see our Antibacterial Effectiveness Research fact sheet for more information). It is for this reason that hospitals rely on antibacterial products and many government bodies recommend their usage under a wide variety of circumstances.
What is the difference between plain soap and antibacterial soap used in the home?
Whether used in the hospital or in the home, antibacterial washes provide an extra measure of protection. Antibacterial soaps contain a special ingredient for controlling germs. Washing with plain soap initially removes germs, but the germs left on the hands can quickly re-grow and increase in number. Antibacterial soap controls the re-growth of these germs.
Is there scientific evidence showing that antibacterial products are more effective at eliminating germs than plain soap and water?
Antibacterial products have been studied for more than 30 years, and there is a great deal of evidence supporting their effectiveness. [One recent study found that using an antiseptic soap for just 10 seconds reduced bacteria on the hands twice as much as washing for 30 seconds with regular soap (Lucet, et al. 2002). Another found that an antibacterial wash was three times more effective than soap at reducing germ transfer from one hand to another (Fischler et al. 2004).] Please see our Antibacterial Effectiveness Research fact sheet for more information.
Do hospitals and health care facilities use antibacterial products?
For more than a century the use of antibacterial products has been the practice in U.S. hospitals. The critical importance of these products is demonstrated by the fact that hospitals must use antibacterial products as part of their infection control programs. In addition, with more and more medical procedures taking place in the home, antibacterial products are commonly used by home health nurses and those caring for themselves or loved ones at home.
How can I know that consumer products are as effective as possible?
Soap manufacturers believe that consumers can and should have access to antibacterial products that meet the same high standard as products used in medical settings. In fact, the SDA/CTFA Topical Antimicrobial Products Coalition supports requiring consumer products to meet the same efficacy standard as professional products, as long as an appropriate, standardized method of testing is used by the FDA.
Is there scientific evidence to support the speculation about antibacterial soap and bacterial resistance?
The overuse and misuse of antibiotic drugs are well-documented as the major causes of antibiotic resistance. Recent scientific studies have found no link between the real-world use of antibacterial products and bacterial resistance. Please see our Bacterial Resistance fact sheet for more information.
Why are so many antibacterial soaps on the market now?
Soaps intended to fight or inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria have been marketed since the 1920s. Greater concern over health risks from germs has generated increased consumer demand for effective antibacterial wash products. Please see our Types of Antibacterial Personal Care Products fact sheet for more information.
What are the main categories of available antibacterial products?
Consumer antimicrobial products are available in many forms (liquids, gels, wipes, etc.) and usually contain a single antimicrobial active ingredient. Currently there are two major classes of consumer products available in the United States:
- Antimicrobial hand and body washes, which generally have a broad spectrum of activity and are designed to reduce transient or resident bacteria.
- Hand sanitizers, which are waterless products used to kill bacteria on hands without soap and water. Typically the active ingredient used is alcohol.