FDA bans antiseptic chemicals from soaps, cites no evidence

“In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long term”.

Today (Sept. 2), the US Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule created to protect the American public from these chemicals and their marketers: Moving forward, companies will no longer be allowed to market any antibacterial washes that contain one or more of 19 specific active ingredients.

Manufacturers who make soaps and hand cleansers with these ingredients will need to either remove them, or stop selling the products entirely within a year.

The Food and Drug Administration is halting the sale of antibacterial washes and soaps that contain one or more of 19 ingredients.

The group’s spokesman said companies are planning to submit data on three chemicals now used by industry: benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol. A number of ingredients typically found in antibacterial soaps, including triclosan, are now banned. Guilty. I’ve often skipped the prettier, better-smelling hand soaps in favor of the boring, green antibacterial variety, because #superparent.

She emphasized that hand washing with plain soap and water is the most effective way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Your antibacterial soap might not be what you thought it was: antibacterial.

Manufacturers have one year to comply to the FDA’s ruling. Researchers are concerned about triclosan after studies showed the chemical can impact thyroid hormones in adolescent animals.

“EWG research found industry adding this sketchy, endocrine-disrupting germ killer to all kinds of soaps and even to toothpaste”.

Years ago, the FDA allowed the sale of these soaps because the chemicals in them are fairly safe, and a few squirts of soap aren’t likely to hurt anyone. Manufacturers plan to provide additional science and research to fill any data gaps, according to the statement. The American Cleaning Institute, the leading trade organization for soap and cleaning-product makers, released a statement in reaction to the rule, arguing consumer antibacterial soaps and washes continue to be safe and an effective means of preventing infection despite the FDA findings. Antibacterial hand sanitizers, wipes or products used in health care settings are not included in the regulations. According to NBC, it kills bacteria by breaking open the cell walls, but the process takes “several hours”. Consumer antibacterial washes containing these specific ingredients may be marketed during this time while data are being collected.

“A small quantity of our bar soap in Puerto Rico, where FDA rules also apply, is being reformulated”, he said.