When it comes to hand hygiene, the choice of hand soap is crucial. But with so many different types on the market, how do you know if you should choose antibacterial hand soap or a normal hand soap? This blog post takes a look at the differences between these two types of hand soap and assesses which one is best for your daily hygiene.
Antibacterial hand soap: How does it work?
Antibacterial hand soap contains chemicals that claim to kill or inhibit bacterial growth on the hands. This type of soap often contains triclosan or triclocarban, which are antibacterial agents. The idea behind antibacterial hand soap is to provide extra protection against bacteria and reduce the risk of spreading infections.
Normal hand soap: The effectiveness of soap and water
Normal hand soap , also known as plain soap, uses mechanical action and soapy cleansing properties to remove dirt, oils and microorganisms from the hands. When you rub your hands together with soap and water, a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules are created that trap and remove harmful substances from the skin.
Antibacterial hand soap vs. Normal hand soap: What's the difference?
- Antibacterial effect:
- Antibacterial hand soap: Contains specific chemicals designed to kill bacteria. May be more effective against some bacteria, but not necessarily all.
- Normal hand soap: Uses mechanical action and the cleansing properties of soap to remove bacteria and dirt. Can also reduce the risk of diseases effectively.
- Risk of resistance:
- Antibacterial hand soap: Using antibacterial hand soap can contribute to the development of resistant bacteria that are difficult to fight.
- Regular hand soap: Does not have the same risk of promoting resistance as it does not contain chemicals that directly fight bacteria.
- Broad spectrum effect:
- Antibacterial Hand Soap: Can have a broad-spectrum effect that kills different types of bacteria, but cannot always remove them completely.
- Normal Hand Soap: Removes bacteria mechanically and is effective against various microorganisms.
Which hand soap is the best?
Both antibacterial hand soap and normal hand soap can be effective for washing hands and removing bacteria. However, research shows that there is no significant difference in effectiveness between the two when it comes to preventing illnesses in common day-to-day situations.
Benefits of antibacterial hand soap:
- May be more effective against specific bacteria in some cases.
- Used as an extra precaution, especially in healthcare facilities.
Benefits of regular hand soap:
- Reduces the risk of resistance development.
- Effective against a wide spectrum of microorganisms.
- Less chemical load for both you and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is antibacterial hand soap more effective than regular hand soap? In ordinary situations, research shows that there is no significant difference in effectiveness between the two types of soap. Normal hand soap is usually sufficient to remove bacteria and prevent illness.
Is there a risk of developing resistance when using antibacterial hand soap? Yes, using antibacterial hand soap can contribute to the development of resistant bacteria that can be harder to fight.
How do I choose the best hand soap for me? Both antibacterial and normal hand soap are effective, but normal hand soap is a gentler and more sustainable option. Choose the type that best suits your needs and considerations.
How can I make sure I wash my hands correctly regardless of the soap I use? Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap. Scrub between fingers, under nails and wrists thoroughly.
Can antibacterial hand soap be used as a substitute for normal hand soap? Yes, antibacterial hand soap can be used as a substitute for normal hand soap, but it is not recommended as routine hygiene due to the risk of resistance and chemical stress.
Overall, both antibacterial hand soap and normal hand soap are effective for hand washing and bacteria removal. However, regular hand soap is generally recommended as a gentler and more sustainable option, unless specifically recommended by healthcare professionals. A sustainable and 100% biodegradable hand soap such as soap2o is therefore recommended for hand washing in everyday life. The most important thing is to wash your hands regularly and correctly to protect your health.
