Isn't all soap anti-bacterial really?!?

Question

I don't understand all the fuss about special anti-bacterial soap. It seems that if you wash your hands properly you will get rid of germs regardless, right?

Answer 1

You are correct.

Soap is itself an effective microbicide due to the fact that soap breaks down oils. All bacterial cell walls are based on lipid chains, which are oil-based. The simple act of applying soap to the hands and rubbing vigorously will cause the cell walls of any bacteria on the hands to be ripped apart by the soap, disintegrating and killing any bacteria present. A comprehensive analysis from the U-M School of Public Health indicated that plain soaps are just as effective as consumer-grade anti-bacterial soaps with 'triclosan' in preventing illness and reducing bacteria on the hands.

Triclosan is a compund that is sometimes added to soaps/products to act as a microbicide (it must be added on the label if it is in a product). But there are still concerns over many aspects of its effects. It is present in Clearasil Daily Face Wash, Dentyl mouthwash, Dawn, the Colgate Total range, Softsoap, Dial, Right Guard deodorant, Sensodyne Total Care, Old Spice and Mentadent (and probably others).

Some level of microbe triclosan resistance can occur in some microorganisms, but the larger concern is with the potential for cross-resistance or co-resistance to other antimicrobials. Studies investigating this possibility have been limited. Other possible issues with triclosan:
-A 2006 study concluded that low doses of triclosan act as an endocrine disruptor in the North American bullfrog.
The hypothesis proposed is that triclosan blocks the metabolism of thyroid hormone, because it chemically mimics thyroid hormone, and binds to the hormone receptor sites, blocking them, so that normal hormones cannot be utilized. Triclosan has also been found in both the bile of fish living down stream from waste water processing plants and in human breast milk. The negative effects of Triclosan on the environment and its questionable benefits in toothpastes has led to the Swedish Naturskyddsföreningen to recommend not using Triclosan in toothpaste.

Bottom line: Unless you are working with/living with/or yourself have an immune deficiency or a susceptibility to infection (wound, etc.,) , you should use soap and water and lather (for 60sec) and rinse. I would avoid any uses of triclosan containing compounds (check the label) until more research is completed. There are some medical uses of triclosan which are necessary but are done under the guidance of medical professionals.

Answer 2

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It's just a way to get more people to buy the soap. "Regular" soap works just as good as any. In fact, it is believed that anti-bacterial soap might make our immune system weaker. We never needed it before, why do we need this special soap? It's a must in the medical field, but for the everyday Joe's/Jane's, there's no need for it. The real question is if they make any soap that isn't anti-bacterial.

Answer 3

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RE:
Isn't all soap anti-bacterial really?!?
I don't understand all the fuss about special anti-bacterial soap. It seems that if you wash your hands properly you will get rid of germs regardless, right?

Answer 4

Yes, all soaps work as effectively as "anti-bacterial" soaps, as long as you wash them long enough. The bacteria come off with the dirt in the soap. Antibacterial soaps, on the other hand, create superbacteria that become resistant to antibiotics and antimicrobial cleaners. They're really not a good choice to use on a daily basis.

Answer 5

I think it's funny too. If you wash your hands in poison, that kills germs. That's the idea. Ordinary soap doesn't include some particular chemical known to poison the bacteria. That's not to say it's ineffective at all, just that it didn't include such a chemical.

Anything that can be refined to a simple active principle, American companies can market it. You can't market "cleanliness," but you can market poisoned soap.

Answer 6

Not necessarily.

Soap is to clean your hands (Dirt, Grease) Anti-bacterial has an additive to kill germs, which is good during flu season and in a daycare situation where kids touch everything and put things in their mouths.

Practicing good hand washing at home is good for everyone, but during cold and flu season anti-bacterial is a good idea.
Be careful though .. not all anti-bacterial soaps are the same. I have article somewhere that warns about some anti-bacterial soaps and how your body becomes resistant to it.

Shop natural and you should be fine!

Answer 7

Certain oil, and ingredients have been known to have anti bacterial properties.
So not necessarily true.
If they don't have the ingredients that has the properties of anti bacterial, then all your doing is washing the dirt away. Basic soap is lard/oil and lye.

Answer 8

Is All Soap Antibacterial

Answer 9

Ronatnyu has it. We're actually worse off because we're killing off bacteria that aren't dangerous and making strains that are resistant to medications to boot.

Answer 10

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Its all about marketing and making money!..

Maybe your hands are more dirty than other ...... maybe the germs around your house laugh at the soap you use...... maybe your germs have special survival suits they put on when they see you reach for the "Usual" soap ....

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