The FDA released as statement earlier this week saying that antibacterial soaps and body may be about as effective at preventing the spread of germs as regular, plain soap. In fact, “long-term exposure to the active ingredients in these products (e.g., triclosan) could pose risks for bacterial resistance or hormonal effects” (New England Journal of Medicine).
Soap manufacturers will be required to submit data and research on the antibacterial potency and effectiveness of their products, after which the FDA will submit new guidelines on the labeling and branding of these soaps.