Most Household Soaps Contain Antibacterial Agents
Plain ‘ole soap and water combined with some elbow grease is still one of the best methods of maintaining hygiene. The growing trend of antibacterial everything may well speed along the development of more antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Antibacterial agents are present in about 75% of all household liquid soaps and in about 30% of bar soaps, even though there is no evidence that they prevent infection, according to a presentation here at the Infectious Diseases Society of America meeting. The researchers concluded that “antibacterial use of this magnitude applies significant selective pressure on skin flora,” so the concern that multidrug resistance may develop from widespread use of these soaps seems to be justified. Dr. Perencevich added in a statement, “With so many of these products on the market, consumers may not even realize they are purchasing soaps that contain antibacterials. Perhaps people should check the products’ ingredients closely when they make their next soap purchase.”