But now, a study has found it is no more effective than plain soap at killing¹ bacteria. There is 'no significant' difference between antibacterial soap and the normal type.

 

Korean scientists examined the effect of triclosan, the active antiseptic ingredient most commonly used in these types of soaps.

 

They examined how effectively the ingredient killed bacteria, testing it against 20 strains.

 

They added triclosan to bacteria warmed to 22°C (room temperature) and 40°C (warm temperature) for 20 seconds, to recreate the conditions under which humans normally wash their hands.

 

They used a triclosan concentration of 0.3 percent - the maximum allowed by law.

 

They found triclosan had killed significantly more bacteria after nine hours or more, but not during the short time required for hand washing.

 

Then, they compared the ability of antibacterial and non-antibacterial soap to remove bacteria from human hands, by using 16 healthy adult volunteers.

 

They found it was no more effective, both experiments indicating that there is 'no significant difference' between the effects of plain soap and antibacterial soap when used under 'real life' conditions, they concluded.

点击收听单词发音