Are Antibacterial Washes Better?

 

Handwashing is one of the most important things we can do to keep healthy at the moment. However many must be wondering if washing with a wash that has an antibacterial ingredient is more beneficial and whether they offer a higher level of protection over regular washes?

It’s understandable to think so but, as it turns out, the United States FDA released a ruling on this very issue a few years ago. After years of research and testing, they ruled that consumer antiseptic and antibacterial wash products (from liquid, foam, gel and bar soaps to body washes) containing a majority of the antibacterial active ingredients we know, will no longer be allowed to be marketed.

Why? Because manufacturers haven’t been able to prove that these ingredients are safe for daily use over a prolonged period of time. And, just as importantly, they haven’t shown that these antibacterial ingredients are any more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illnesses and the spread of infection. All in all, 19 ingredients have been disallowed. 

The good news? All you need to keep your hands clean and your family safe is good old fashioned soap (we recommend a pure olive castile wash) and water. Get those hands rubbing for a good twenty seconds (or two rounds of ‘Happy Birthday To You’!) and you’re done! 

Further reading: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/antibacterial-soap-you-can-skip-it-use-plain-soap-and-water

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