Do I Need To Use Antibacterial Hand Soap?

Written by Syed Naqvi, Head of Product Development + Innovation @Blueland
Published: February 1, 2021
Updated: September 24, 2025

Antibacterial hand soap sounds good for keeping germs, like bacteria and viruses at bay, but there are several studies that show non-antibacterial hand soap is effective at helping wash away bacteria and viruses, without the potential health risks associated with antibacterial soap. There are studies that suggest that antibacterial soaps might actually be doing more harm than good.

Are Non-Antibacterial Soaps Effective?

The FDA states that regular, non-antibacterial hand soap is effective for the removal of bacteria and viruses. Hand washing with plain, non-antibacterial soap is a good way to prevent the contraction and spread of illness.

“ **Wash your hands with plain soap and water. That's still one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and prevent spreading germs.