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Is Antibacterial Soap More Effective Than Regular Soap?
In this video, learn the truth about whether antibacterial soap is better than regular soap and whether you need to use it.
Written by Brittany Doohan | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on February 26, 2024To protect your family from the flu, prevent colds, and arm yourself against food poisoning, washing your hands with soap labeled “antibacterial” may seem like you’re doubling down on your germ-killing efforts. But is antibacterial soap really more effective (and necessary) than regular soap?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), probably not. There’s no scientific proof that over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are better at lowering your risk of getting sick than ordinary bars of suds.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Handwashing in communities: clean hands save lives.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Antibacterial soap? You can skip it, use plain soap and water.
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