The production of most antibacterial soaps was halted primarily because manufacturers could not demonstrate to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that these products were both safe for long-term daily use and more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illness and the spread of infections.
The FDA's Ruling and Its Rationale
In 2016, the FDA issued a final rule regarding certain over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial hand and body wash products. This decision was based on a lack of scientific evidence provided by the manufacturers.
The core reasons behind the FDA's determination were:
- Lack of Proven Safety: Manufacturers failed to provide sufficient data to prove that the active ingredients commonly found in these soaps, such as triclosan and triclocarban, were safe for daily use over extended periods. Concerns had been raised about potential risks, including bacterial resistance and hormonal effects.
- No Demonstrated Efficacy Advantage: Companies could not show that these antibacterial ingredients were any more effective at preventing sickness or reducing the spread of germs than simply washing with plain soap and water.
As a result, products containing these specific antibacterial ingredients could no longer be marketed in the United States. This ruling applied to consumer antiseptic washes, not to hand sanitizers or antibacterial wipes.
Understanding the Effectiveness of Plain Soap
Despite common misconceptions, plain soap and water are highly effective for handwashing. They work by:
- Physical Removal: Soap molecules physically lift dirt, grease, and germs from the skin.
- Rinsing Away: The act of rinsing with water washes these contaminants away.
This mechanical action of washing and rinsing is crucial for reducing the presence of bacteria and viruses on the hands.
Here's a comparison based on the FDA's findings:
| Feature | Antibacterial Soap (Active Ingredients) | Plain Soap & Water |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Not proven more effective than plain soap in preventing illness | Proven effective in physically removing germs and preventing illness |
| Long-Term Safety | Not proven safe for daily, long-term use; concerns about potential risks | Generally recognized as safe for daily use |
| FDA Status | Manufacturers failed to provide sufficient data for safety and efficacy | Recommended by health authorities like the FDA and CDC for everyday handwashing |
Best Practices for Hand Hygiene
Health organizations continue to emphasize the importance of proper handwashing technique with plain soap and water for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of illness.
Key steps for effective handwashing include:
- Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
- Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds. Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice from beginning to end to time yourself.
- Rinse hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
For more information on effective handwashing, consult reliable sources like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
