The FDA Just Issued A Ban On Antibacterial Soaps

Antibacterial soaps have been the subject of much debate lately. As mounting evidence linking these products to serious health issues appears, it’s time you swapped any in your household for safer versions.

The major reason why antibacterial soaps are identified as a health threat is because they contain triclosan, triclocarban, and 17 other chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors. Aside from causing hormonal imbalances, these chemicals can also lead to bacterial resistance. All in all, they do more harm than good.

The FDA issued a ban on triclosan, triclocarban, and 17 other chemicals commonly found in soaps and body washes with anti-bacterial labels. Manufacturers using any of these ingredients are given one year to take these ingredients out of their products or remove products containing them off the market.

In a press release, Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, stated “Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water.”

The ban applies only to consumer products. Antibacterial soaps used in hospitals and food service settings are excluded.