Most people have become more diligent about washing their hands in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides serving to protect us from germs and other bacteria that may impact our health, it’s become the best way to avoid contracting the virus via making direct contact with our eyes and mouth after our hands have come into contact with any contaminated items (besides supplementing with hand sanitizer). However, some people may wonder what type of hand soap is the most effective and if it really matters what type you buy. In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at whether or not all washes are created equal and if it makes a difference what pumps out of the plastic bottles you buy at the store.
What exactly should you be looking for in hand soap?
Whether it’s to protect you from COVID-19 or the spread of germs, many are surprised to learn that washing your hands well with any soap and water is actually enough to eliminate bacteria and break down viruses. Whether you’re washing your hands with dish soap, bar soap, or specialty soaps, it all does the trick. With the number one concern being safety out of the way, your next priority should be fragrance and ingredients. Having a product that helps you maintain soft hands and uses responsible, organic ingredients like essential oils and aloe vera is important in protecting the health of your skin and keeping it hydrated and happy. What you should be looking for in a hand wash are the latter characteristics, as protection from germs is a trait that all soaps will afford you. Focus on a hand wash that keeps your hands protected and offers a scent you love, and being healthy will naturally follow.
Will buying antibacterial soaps help me defend myself more effectively?
Many soap brands tout antibacterial hand soaps as the most effective way to eliminate germs and viruses, but is this actually true? According to the FDA, it’s not. Many antibacterial soap manufacturers add ingredients like triclosan and triclocarban to their hand washes and promote them as a way to get rid of bacteria more effectively. That being said, there isn’t enough research yet to determine that this is actually the case. There’s no evidence that investing in antibacterial soaps will protect you any better than rinsing your hands with regular soap and water will. Additionally, there’s the concern that manufacturers haven’t proven the long-term safety of using these products, for which the FDA has raised concerns that certain ingredients may be detrimental to your health. (However, this doesn’t apply to certain antibacterial soaps, such as those that you would find in a health-care setting.)
The biggest takeaway is this: You don’t need soaps with special ingredients to keep you safe from germs and viruses. In fact, antibacterial soaps may actually be doing more harm than good when applied to the hands and body. Instead, focus solely on looking for soaps that offer more benefits to your health than potential drawbacks.
As we grow more conscious about our health and safety, we start to question how everyday household products protect us. Understanding the science of the products we use is the most important thing to do as we move forward and battle COVID-19 and beyond. In the case of hand soaps, there’s no evidence to show that any one type of soap works better than another. Instead, look for soaps you love that care for you and for the environment. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that you’re washing your hands!
