For everyday handwashing, skip the antibacterial soap and use plain soap and water instead — it’s just as effective at preventing illness and avoids unnecessary chemical exposure.
The shelf of antibacterial soaps at the store looks like extra protection, but the FDA’s 2016 ruling changed everything. Manufacturers couldn’t prove that antibacterial washes containing triclosan, triclocarban, and 17 other ingredients were any better than plain soap at stopping germs, or even safe for daily long-term use. For the general public outside of a hospital room, the correct way to use “antibacterial soap” is to not buy it at all — plain soap and a 20-second scrub does the job.
Why Antibacterial Soap Is Not Recommended for Home Use
The FDA’s final rule removed 19 active ingredients from the consumer market because manufacturers failed to show they were both safe and more effective than plain soap. That means products containing triclosan or triclocarban are no longer legally sold as over-the-counter antibacterial washes in the US. The FDA’s consumer update on antibacterial soap makes it clear: for the average person in a non-healthcare setting, plain soap and water is the only method recommended by health authorities.
Is Antibacterial Soap Ever Necessary?
Yes, but only in specific medical settings. For surgical hand scrubs and invasive procedures, healthcare professionals use antimicrobial soap because a higher level of bacteria reduction is required. In that setting, the soap must stay on the skin for 2 to 6 minutes to work. Outside of a doctor’s directive, there is no situation where an average person needs an antibacterial soap.
The Correct Handwashing Method (Plain Soap)
The CDC and FDA agree on this five-step sequence. It works for bar soap, liquid soap, or any hand soap that doesn’t make a medical antibacterial claim. If your skin is reacting to your current soap, explore gentler options for your face that won’t strip your skin’s natural barrier.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water — warm or cold is fine, hot water just dries out your skin.
- Apply plain soap and lather well.
- Scrub every surface: palms, backs of hands, between fingers, under nails, and thumbs. Set a timer for 20 seconds — humming “Happy Birthday” twice works.
- Rinse thoroughly under clean water.
- Dry with a clean towel or air dryer. Use the towel to turn off the faucet so you don’t pick up germs from the handle.
The key is the 20-second scrubbing time. Washing for less than that is the most common mistake, and it leaves germs on your hands regardless of which soap you use. After you finish, your hands should feel clean but not raw.
Antibacterial Soap vs. Plain Soap: Key Differences
| Factor | Plain Soap | Antibacterial Soap |
|---|---|---|
| FDA recommendation for home use | Yes | No (banned for consumer OTC sale) |
| Active germ-killing ingredients | None | Previously triclosan, triclocarban, etc. (now illegal) |
| Illness prevention in real-world use | Proven effective | No proven superiority |
| Required scrubbing time | At least 20 seconds | 2–6 minutes (healthcare only) |
| Risk of antimicrobial resistance | None | May contribute |
| Safe for daily use | Yes | No long-term safety data for humans |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
What About Hand Sanitizer?
When soap and water aren’t available, the CDC recommends a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol). This is a backup, not a replacement. Sanitizer does not work well on visibly dirty or greasy hands, and it won’t remove certain germs like norovirus or C. difficile. If your hands look clean but you can’t get to a sink, a squirt of alcohol-based sanitizer is a solid plan B. Avoid alcohol-free sanitizers containing quaternary ammonium compounds, which can cause skin sensitivities.
Common Mistakes People Make
Most of the errors come from overcomplicating something simple. People buy antibacterial soap thinking it’s better, then still wash for only five seconds. Others use hot water hoping it kills more germs — it doesn’t, and it damages the skin barrier, creating cracks where bacteria can enter. Topping off a soap dispenser with new liquid instead of replacing the cartridge can introduce bacteria into the soap itself. Stick to plain soap, warm or cold water, and the full 20-second routine.
When Antibacterial Soap Is Actually Required
The only place antibacterial soap belongs is in a medical setting. For surgical hand scrubs, healthcare workers follow a specific protocol: remove rings and watches, clean under fingernails, apply antimicrobial soap, scrub hands and forearms for 2 to 6 minutes (never longer than the manufacturer’s recommendation), rinse, dry, and put on sterile gloves. This is not something you need at home, even if you have a minor cut or scrape — plain soap and water is enough.
Your Handwashing Checklist
Here’s the short version: use any plain bar or liquid soap. Scrub for a full 20 seconds. Cover every part of your hands. Rinse with warm or cold water. Dry with a clean towel. Skip the antibacterial claims. That routine is backed by the FDA, CDC, and decades of infection control data, and it costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a product that doesn’t work any better. The only exception is a doctor’s specific instruction to use an antibacterial product for a skin condition — otherwise, you’re already doing it right with a plain bar of soap.
FAQs
Does antibacterial soap actually kill more germs?
No. Multiple studies reviewed by the FDA found that antibacterial soap is no more effective than plain soap at removing germs or preventing illness when used correctly in a home setting. The 20-second scrubbing action is what matters, not special ingredients.
Can I still buy the old antibacterial soaps with triclosan?
Not legally for consumer use in the United States. The FDA’s 2016 final rule banned triclosan, triclocarban, and 17 other active ingredients from over-the-counter antibacterial washes. Any new products making antibacterial claims must go through a new FDA approval process, which no manufacturer has completed.
Is antibacterial soap safe for daily use?
There is no long-term safety data for the chemicals previously used in consumer antibacterial soaps. Scientists have raised concerns about possible hormone disruption and contribution to antibiotic resistance. For daily handwashing, plain soap is the safer and recommended choice.
Do I need antibacterial soap after touching raw meat or using the bathroom?
No. Plain soap and water, with proper 20-second scrubbing, is fully sufficient to remove bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli from your hands after handling raw meat. The mechanical action of scrubbing lifts germs off the skin, and the water rinses them away.
What should I look for on a soap label to avoid banned ingredients?
Stick with products labeled simply as “soap,” “hand soap,” or “body wash” — not “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial.” If the label lists triclosan, triclocarban, benzethonium chloride, or chloroxylenol as active ingredients, that product cannot legally be sold for consumer use in the US.
References & Sources
- FDA. “Skip the Antibacterial Soap — Use Plain Soap and Water.” Official consumer advisory on why plain soap is recommended.
- CDC. “Clinical Safety: Hand Hygiene for Healthcare Personnel.” Guidelines for antimicrobial soap use in medical settings.
- CDC. “Hand Hygiene Frequently Asked Questions.” Covers 20-second rule, sanitizer use, and handwashing guidance.
- Cleveland Clinic. “Antibacterial Soap vs. Regular Soap.” Explains why antibacterial soap is unnecessary for home use.
- ISSA. “What You Need to Know About the FDA Rule on Antibacterial Soap.” Analysis of the 2016 FDA ingredient ban.