Is It Time to Wash Your Hands of Antibacterial Soaps?

Researchers looked at more than two dozen studies on the pros and cons of using soaps that contain triclosan—known for killing or preventing the growth of certain bacteria. Most store-bought antibacterial soaps use it. Overall, the review found that soaps with typical amounts of triclosan were no better than plain soap in reducing illness symptoms. They also didn’t cut bacterial levels on the hands more than plain soap.