Myth #6: It's Not as Effective as Antibacterial Soap

Antibacterial Soap is Not Effective Against Viruses

Not all illnesses are caused by bacteria—many are viral in nature. This means that antibacterial soap offers no additional protection against viruses compared to regular soap.

While hand sanitizers have their place, soap and water remain the preferred option for removing germs when available.

Why Soap and Water is Recommended 

Concerns About Antibacterial Resistance

Health organizations strongly recommend regular soap over antibacterial soap for everyday use:

• CDC emphasizes that washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness. Their guidelines outline when to wash your hands and the proper technique. While hand sanitizers can be useful in certain situations, they are less effective against some pathogens and do not remove physical debris the way soap and water do.
• Mayo Clinic states, “Over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are no more effective at killing germs than regular soap.” The key is vigorous handwashing for 20 seconds to ensure thorough cleansing.
• Cleveland Clinic echoes the FDA’s position, reinforcing that regular soap and water are sufficient for hygiene.

Concerns Related to Using Antibacterial Soap

FDA has found no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap and water for preventing illnesses. Moreover, they have raised concerns about the use of certain active ingredients, such as triclosan, due to potential contributions to antibiotic resistance. As a result, many antibacterial ingredients are no longer permitted in over-the-counter products because they have not demonstrated added benefit over regular soap and water.

The FDA has also raised concerns about the use of certain active ingredients, such as triclosan, due to potential contributions to antibiotic resistance.