Antibacterial hand soap
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- Fragrance-free gentle liquid hand soap. Best for: Everyday handwashing and sensitive skin. See options on Amazon
- Dial Antibacterial liquid hand soap. Best for: People who prefer an antibacterial soap. See options on Amazon
- Refill-size hand soap. Best for: Households that wash often. See options on Amazon
What the FDA found
In its September 2016 final rule on consumer antiseptic washes, the FDA said the data and information submitted were insufficient to demonstrate any additional benefit from the active ingredients covered, compared with washing with nonantibacterial soap and water. It ruled that 19 active ingredients intended for consumer antiseptic washes are not generally recognized as safe and effective, which means products with them are misbranded.
The FDA deferred a decision on three ingredients, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol, pending studies to address safety and efficacy data gaps.
The rule applies to consumer antiseptic washes that are intended for use with water and rinsed off after use, including hand washes and body washes. On safety, the FDA said the available information was insufficient to establish the safety of long-term, daily repeated exposure to the 19 ingredients in consumer wash products. It made the rule effective 1 year after publication to give manufacturers time to comply.
Reading an antibacterial soap label
| Label section | Example: Dial Antibacterial liquid hand soap |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Benzalkonium chloride 0.13% |
| Purpose | Antibacterial |
| Use | For handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin |
| Directions | Pump into hands, wet as needed, lather vigorously for at least 30 seconds, rinse and dry |
| Warnings | External use only; avoid eyes; stop if irritation or redness develops |
Details are from the Dial label on DailyMed. Antibacterial soaps list an active ingredient on a Drug Facts panel, as Dial's does, so check that panel to see what you are buying.
How to wash your hands well
The CDC's five steps work with any soap:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water, warm or cold, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather by rubbing your hands together with the soap.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse well under clean, running water.
- Dry using a clean towel or an air dryer.
When to wash
The CDC lists key times to wash, including before, during and after preparing food; before and after eating; after using the toilet; after changing diapers; after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; after touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste; after handling pet food or treats; after touching garbage; before and after treating a cut or wound; and before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
When you cannot get to a sink, see our hand sanitizer guide for the CDC's 60% alcohol rule.
Choosing a hand soap
- Plain soap works. Based on the FDA's findings, a plain liquid or bar soap and good technique are enough for everyday handwashing.
- Sensitive skin. Choose a fragrance-free soap if scents bother your skin, and stop any soap that causes irritation or redness, as Dial's label advises for its product.
- Antibacterial if you prefer. If you choose one, check the active ingredient and follow the label's lather time.
- Keep it from kids. Antibacterial soap labels say to keep out of reach of children and contact Poison Control if swallowed.
For the body, our body wash guide explains the same FDA rule for body washes.
Dry or irritated hands
Frequent washing is part of the CDC's advice, so look after your skin. Pat hands dry with a clean towel, and stop using any product that irritates. Drying with a clean towel or an air dryer is part of the CDC's five steps, so do not skip it. For very dry, cracked hands, see our paraffin bath guide.
See a doctor for a rash that spreads, cracks that bleed or keep coming back, or signs of infection such as warmth, swelling or pus.
What to look for when you buy
Fragrance-free gentle liquid hand soap
Best for: Everyday handwashing and sensitive skin
The FDA found no additional benefit shown for the antibacterial ingredients it reviewed over plain soap and water.
Watch out: Scrub for at least 20 seconds, per the CDC.
See options on AmazonDial Antibacterial liquid hand soap
Best for: People who prefer an antibacterial soap
Its label lists benzalkonium chloride 0.13%, an ingredient the FDA deferred for further study.
Watch out: Label says lather at least 30 seconds and stop if irritation develops.
See options on AmazonRefill-size hand soap
Best for: Households that wash often
The CDC lists many key times to wash, so a larger refill can save trips to the store.
Watch out: Clean and dry the pump bottle before refilling.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Is antibacterial soap better than regular soap?
- The FDA said data were insufficient to show any additional benefit for the antiseptic wash ingredients it reviewed.
- Was triclosan banned from soap?
- The FDA's 2016 rule found 19 ingredients, including triclosan and triclocarban, not generally recognized as safe and effective for consumer washes.
- What antibacterial ingredient is still used?
- Benzalkonium chloride, one of three ingredients the FDA deferred; Dial lists it at 0.13%.
- How long should I wash my hands?
- The CDC says scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Can I use hand sanitizer instead?
- Use soap and water when you can; sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is the CDC's backup.
Sources
- Safety and Effectiveness of Consumer Antiseptics; Topical Antimicrobial Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use (final rule, 2016-21337) (federalregister.gov), Federal Register, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Dial Antibacterial Defense (benzalkonium chloride) hand soap label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- About Handwashing (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention