At home, we avoid using antibacterial soap in any form. I know that might sound unusual, especially as we head into flu season, but our choice is based on scientific evidence. Last year, the FDA revealed that antibacterial soaps don’t provide any added cleanliness or illness prevention benefits compared to plain soap and water. These soaps often contain chemicals like triclosan and triclocarban, which bring more risks than benefits. New information hints that using antibacterial soaps daily over a long period may actually do more harm than good. Some of the chemicals in these products could contribute to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, possibly causing hormonal effects that concern the FDA.
There’s no clear advantage to using antibacterial soaps over regular soap and water, but there are some crucial risks. I’ve recently been interested in research about our gut bacteria and microbiome, which can significantly affect our lives. Our bodies have more bacterial cells than human cells. I watched a film called “Microbirth,” which examines how the microbiome is passed on during birth and early childhood. It’s a great watch for moms needing to have c-sections. This movie and numerous studies show that antibacterial products can change the microbiome, and today’s kids have notably less diverse gut bacteria than past generations.
This reduction in gut bacteria diversity could be why we see more cases of children exposed to triclosan and similar chemicals developing peanut allergies, hay fever, and other severe allergies. Society’s quick embrace of antibacterial products might be limiting natural immune system interactions, which are vital for developing natural defenses. This concept is part of what’s called the hygiene hypothesis. Additionally, there’s increasing concern that these products might do the opposite of what they promise. A study by Johns Hopkins University found that children with high triclosan levels showed a higher risk of developing allergies and immune-related sensitivities.
I suspect as we learn more about how the microbiome affects gene expression, protecting the gut biome will be essential for health. Research shows we should study the ways antibacterial substances impact the gut biome and avoid them until we are sure of their safety. Looking at the bigger picture, antibacterial soaps may pose broader dangers. Current research suggests they might encourage “superbugs”—bacteria that resist antimicrobial agents, which could lead to more infections we can’t treat.
The rise of drug-resistant strains has been seen with antibiotics misuse, leading to resistant microbes. Experts like Dr. Stuart Levy from Tufts University suggest that antibacterial soaps might create environments where resistant bacteria thrive. Similarly, researcher Charles Rock from St. Jude argues against the use of triclosan in these products due to resistance concerns.
If you have thyroid issues or a hormone imbalance like I do, antibacterial chemicals might be a factor. Studies indicate that triclosan can disrupt thyroid hormone uptake and interfere with other hormonal functions, potentially leading to infertility, obesity, and various cancers.
Further studies link triclosan to a buildup of staph bacteria in the nose, raising infection risks. Research at the University of Michigan found triclosan in the nasal passages of many adults, which correlated with a higher presence of staph bacteria, increasing infection risks.
The environment is also suffering from the widespread use of antibacterial chemicals, often found in hand soaps. These chemicals end up in water systems, affecting algae and marine life. Triclosan, being fat-soluble, accumulates in the tissues of animals higher on the food chain. Studies have even found concerning levels of triclosan in the blood of dolphins.
I believe we may be overly concerned with germs. Our immune systems need exposure to various bacteria to strengthen, and we’re hindering this process. To avoid antibacterial chemicals, I’ve started making our own hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray. For day-to-day cleaning, I stick to plain soap and water, promoting good handwashing habits with my kids.
What’s your view on antibacterial soap? Do you do things differently?
