These ingredients just got banned from antibacterial soaps by the FDA
Do you remember going to the mall as a teen with all your friends and hitting up Bath and Body Works for their cute little anti-bacterial soaps? Like, if there was a new scent out you and your friends just HAD to have like 7 of them?
Well, I have some horrible news for you if you still like stocking up on those guys (or other antibacterial soaps, for that matter). The FDA actually just announced an official ban on a whopping 19 ingredients commonly found in antibacterial soaps. Triclosan and triclocarban, which are the most common ingredients found in antibacterial hygienic items, are among those 19 ingredients.
Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said, “Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water. In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term.”
Folks. Just use plain ole soap. Wash and repeat. -> FDA Bans 19 Chemicals Used In Antibacterial Soaps https://t.co/EMhn88rD2T
— karla fc holloway (@ProfHolloway) September 2, 2016
According to some data gathered in 2013, triclosan and tricarban “could pose health risks, such as bacterial infection or hormonal effects.”
Yikes!
Big news! FDA bans #triclosan from soap. Congrats, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics! 🎉 🎉 🎉 https://t.co/smg2BBEquV
— Candice Batista (@candicebatista) September 2, 2016
The official FDA press release states that, “Washing with plain soap and running water remains one of the most important steps consumers can take to avoid getting sick and to prevent spreading germs to others.” They also recommend using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
BRB going to throw out all my antibacterial soap!
