Difference Between Antibacterial and Bacterial Soap

Antibacterial soaps are increasingly popular; according to the New York Times, in 2005, 70 percent of all hand soaps were labeled antibacterial. While antibacterial soap does contain an ingredient that sets it apart from regular soap, it may not be necessary to keep bacteria at bay.

Ingredients

• Most liquid antibacterial soaps include triclosan, while most solid soaps include trichlocarban. These ingredients are known as biocides and have been shown to kill bacteria in their pure form. The other ingredients in antibacterial soaps are the same as those in soaps not labeled as antibacterial. Most plain soaps use fatty acids from vegetable fats and either sodium hydroxide (for bar soap) or potassium hydroxide (for liquid) as cleaning agents.

Cost

• Antibacterial soaps generally cost more than soaps without antibacterial ingredients.

Efficacy

• The effectiveness of antibacterial soaps has long been in dispute, with most scientists and doctors agreeing that the simple act of thoroughly washing the hands is enough to prevent illness. A 2002 study by the National Institutes of Health took microbe cultures from the hands of groups using antibacterial and plain soaps over the course of a year, and found that while both groups had fewer microbes, there was no difference in microbe levels between the groups. Likewise, studies by Columbia University and the Centers for Disease Control tracked levels of disease in users of both types of soaps, and found no significant difference. In laboratory analysis, antibacterial soaps have been found to kill 99.6 percent of the bacteria on human skin, while plain soaps were found to kill 99.4 percent.

Use

• The effectiveness of any soap in controlling bacteria is primarily determined by the use of the soap. To ensure the most benefit, use plenty of soap and hot water, wash for 20 to 30 seconds, use plenty of friction to remove dead skin and dirt, and then rinse and dry thoroughly.