Companies have spent a fortune convincing consumers that we need antibacterial agents in our soaps.  Apparently, they've done a good job.  Statistics show that nearly 75% of liquid soaps sold in the US contain "antibacterial" ingredients.  Triclosan, the most popular ingredient, has come under some heavy scrutiny, which has lead to an investigation on the effectiveness of "antibacterial" ingredients in general.  Here are some key findings...

• Triclosan not only kills bacteria, but it has also been shown to kill human cells.
• In order for antibacterial soaps to work, they must be left on the skin for about two minutes.  How many people do you know (other than doctors prepping for surgery) who wash their hands for two or more minutes?
• Not all bacteria are bad.  Some types of bacteria actually fight harmful bacteria.  Other types bacteria "eat" our perspiration.
• Most people catch a flu or cold from viruses in the air.  Having clean hands won't prevent air-born viruses.
• A study published in the March 2, 2004 journal Annals of Internal Medicine showed that people who used antibacterial soaps and cleansers developed cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms just as often as people who used products that did not contain antibacterial ingredients.

If the above points aren't enough to make you wonder about antibacterial soaps, consider this...  Some doctors and scientist believe that the widespread, daily use of antibacterial agents will eventually lead to the creation of a drug-resistant strain of "super bacteria".

So why are antibacterial soaps so popular?  The answer is simple: companies are catering to consumer fears of infections.  Anyone who has ever watched commercial television has probably seen a commercial showing children doing lots of stereotypical kid things (e.g. digging in the dirt, picking up trash, wiping their noses with their bare hands, etc.).  The commercials create fear that these activities will lead to infection that only an antibacterial soap can prevent.

In her article "Healthy Living - Daily Care for Hardworking Hands" in Martha Stewart Living, July 2002, Michelle Stacey writes about some of the concerns regarding "antibacterial" soaps and recommends using "a glycerin soap or one that contains moisturizer."

We agree with Martha, which is why we offer a great selection of handmade glycerin soaps instead of antibacterial hand soaps.