Daily use of antibacterial soaps may outweigh the benefits
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The antibacterial soap in your bathroom may be no more effective at preventing the spread of disease than plain soap and water, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned in December 2013.
“New data suggest that the risks associated with long-term, daily use of antibacterial soaps may outweigh the benefits,” said Colleen Rogers, PhD, a lead FDA microbiologist, in a statement. Some ingredients may contribute to bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
The FDA issued a proposed rule in December requiring manufacturers of antibacterial soaps used with water to demonstrate the products’ safety and effectiveness. However, the rule does not apply to antibacterial soaps used in healthcare facilities, or to hand wipes and hand sanitizers.
Source: FDA
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