While regular soaps remove germs, antibacterial soaps contain an antibacterial ingredient that kills germs. For some consumers and in many institutional settings, the bacteria killing abilities of these soaps are essential to help prevent the spread of disease. Antibacterial soaps have been used safely for decades in millions of homes, offices, schools, daycare centers and other commercial settings.
Vulnerable Populations
Consumers with weakened immune systems, such as the immunocompromised and the very old, as well as caretakers of the very young, benefit from the assurance that antimicrobials kill bacteria that may remain on the skin after handwashing. This is why antibacterial soaps are often chosen for use by those who are most susceptible to infection.
Home Healthcare
Antibacterial soaps are used in healthcare settings for a reason. With more healthcare practices moving to the home environment (e.g., telehealth, visiting nurses), consumer antiseptics like antibacterial soaps ensure that home healthcare practitioners have access to the same hygiene products available to hospital staff.
Institutional Settings
Antibacterial soaps are used safely and effectively in many institutional settings such as restaurants, schools, day care centers, airports, offices, locker rooms, cruise ships, shopping malls and dormitories. These products are critical to public health because they can help reduce the risk of infection beyond that provided by washing with non-antibacterial soap and water.
American Cleaning Institute members continue to conduct research demonstrating the efficacy of antibacterial soaps. Learn more about these efforts.