Does anti-bacterial soap actually make a difference, or am I just wasting my money?

Answer by  tronlife (40)

There's no need for anti-bacterial soap. Hot water is more important. Regular soap and hot water is a time-proven combination, no need for change. If it's not broken, don't fix it, don't buy into the anti-bacterial soap hype.

Answer by  malone (4817)

All soap in and of itself is "anti-bacterial." The trick is to wash long enough to allow soap and water to get rid of bacteria. Anti-bacterial soap, which is overkill, is harsh and can cause rashes and other skin irritations.

Answer by  Anonymous

Ever since I stopped using anti-bacterial soap I've noticed my hands have stopped breaking out! So for me it's only regular soap. Regular soap works better!

Answer by  Bigpeter (58)

Antibacterial and the regular soap do a good job at killing bacteria. Antibacterial soap or gel is more effective at getting rid of bacteria; but antibacterial soaps contain triclosan which can cause health problems. Antibacterial soap is not environmentally friendly. So maybe it is better to was your hand correctly with regular bar soap.

Answer by  lily (5)

It is really not necessary to use anti-bacterial soap and may actually be harmful in the long run, as bacteria becomes resistant to the germicidal agent in the soap. What really cleans your hands is the mechanical action of scrubbing them under water. It should take about two minutes of scrubbing to really get your hands clean.

Answer by  Gabriel (2146)

Most doctors these days are against the use of anti-bacterial soap. Not only does it kill off the useful bacteria, but since it doesn't always kill the harmful ones, they tend to become more drug resistant. An important example is MRSA, a staph bacteria that has become resistant to 99% of current treatments.

Answer by  Ginny (2251)

Studies say washing with plain soap reduces bacteria and viruses. Others report antibacterial soaps remove more bacteria. Howver, antibacterial soaps will not destroy viruses. No studies exist showing lower infection rates from using antibacterial soaps. In order to work, antibacterial soap should be used for two minutes. You can achieve the same results by using plain soap and washing well.

Answer by  Anonymous

It takes about 2 minutes for antibacterial soap to completely kill the bacteria. If you just wash your hands with regular bar soap for that long all bacteria will be washed off anyway, so why spend the extra money.

Answer by  Cathy65 (652)

There are several different theories on anti-bacterial soap. Some say it is great to use. Others think that your body will lose it's resistance to bacteria. Others say that you do not need to rid your hands of bacteria. I think that as long as you use the anti-bacterial soap in low doses it is fine.