Regular Soap vs Antibacterial Soap: Which is More Effective?

• How Do Soap and Water Remove Germs and Dirt from Our Skin? 
• Is Antibacterial Soap More Effective Than Regular Soap?
• Soap Can Be Contaminated by Microorganisms

Bacteria and viruses can live on our hands and enter our bodies when we touch our eyes, nose, mouth, or food. Washing hands with soap and running water is the most effective way to remove germs and prevent disease. How does soap work?

Soap doesn’t kill germs on our hands but removes them. Daily activities make hands oily, allowing germs to stick to the oil or grease. Rinsing with water alone is ineffective because water and oil do not mix. 

How Do Soap and Water Remove Germs and Dirt from Our Skin?

Soap helps combine water and oil, breaking down the lipid layer of germs. It contains surfactant molecules with two distinct ends: a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (oil-attracting) tail. Bacteria and viruses are often surrounded by lipid membranes, which the hydrophobic tails of surfactant molecules interact with, disrupting the membrane and inactivating the germs.

As soap is applied, these surfactant molecules form micelles, tiny spherical structures that trap dirt, oil, and germs within them. When rinsed under running water, the micelles, along with the trapped particles, are washed away, leaving the skin clean. For effective handwashing, it is essential to lather the soap thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before rinsing under running water to remove dirt and germs completely. 

Read more:
How to wash your hands

Is Antibacterial Soap More Effective Than Regular Soap?

Antibacterial soaps are formulated with active ingredients like triclosan, designed to kill bacteria. Triclosan, a common antiseptic, has historically been used in personal care products to eliminate microorganisms. However, concerns about its safety led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban triclosan in household and healthcare products in September 2016, citing its potential to disrupt hormones, irritate skin, and contribute to bacterial resistance. 

Despite this, Indonesia still permits the use of triclosan under strict regulations by BPOM. It’s important to note that antibacterial soap is not always more effective than regular soap. Excessive use of antibacterial products can disrupt the skin’s microbiota, strip away natural oils, and lead to dryness. Research by Aiello et al. at 2007 found that triclosan-based soaps (0.1% – 0.45% wt/vol) were no more effective than regular soap in removing bacteria from hands. 

Additionally, the FDA has stated that antibacterial soaps do not necessarily prevent diseases or eliminate germs better than regular soap. Proper handwashing techniques with regular soap are sufficient for daily hygiene needs, making them a safer and equally effective choice.

Read more:
The Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Antibacterial Hand Wash

Soap Can Be Contaminated by Microorganisms 

Although soap is designed to break down microbial structures, it can still become contaminated by microorganisms. Bar soap, in particular, is prone to contamination due to its tendency to remain wet after use, creating a moist environment ideal for microbial growth. Liquid soap, while less susceptible to contamination because it is stored in sealed containers, can still become contaminated if the container is unhygienic. 

Microorganisms from the skin can transfer to the surface of bar soap during use. If the soap is not properly rinsed or is stored in damp conditions, these microorganisms can thrive. Additionally, not all microbes have lipid membranes that are susceptible to soap’s mechanism of action, such as spore-forming bacteria and certain fungi, which can resist soap's antimicrobial effects. 

Understanding how soap works and its limitations is crucial for maintaining good hygiene and health. While both regular and antibacterial soaps are effective for handwashing, proper technique, lathering for at least 20 seconds and rinsing thoroughly under running water is key to removing dirt and germs. Regular soap is a safer and equally effective choice for daily use, as overuse of antibacterial soap can disrupt the skin's natural balance and promote resistance. 

Additionally, practicing proper soap storage can minimize contamination, ensuring its effectiveness in maintaining cleanliness. Stay informed and prioritize simple, effective hygiene habits to protect your health. Untested soaps are at risk of being contaminated by microorganisms and may contain unsafe levels of active ingredients. Conduct laboratory testing to ensure that soaps are free from microbial contamination, effective in cleaning, and safe for everyday use.

Author: Safira
Editor: Sabilla

References:

Allison E. Aiello, Elaine L. Larson, Stuart B. Levy, Consumer Antibacterial Soaps: Effective or Just Risky?, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 45, Issue Supplement_2, September 2007, Pages S137–S147, https://doi.org/10.1086/519255 

Barkvoll P, and Rolla G. 1995. Triclosan reduces the clinical symptoms of the allergic patch test reaction (APR) elicited with 1% nickel sulphate in sensitised patients. J Clin Periodontol 22: 485–487 

Drury B, Scott J, Rosi-Marshall EJ, and Kelly JJ. 2013. Triclosan exposure increases triclosan resistance and influences taxonomic composition of benthic bacterial communities. Environ Sci Technol 47: 8923–8930.  

UnityPoint Health. 2025. Antibacterial Soap vs. Regular Soap–Which One is Better?. Tersedia: https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/antibacterial-soap-vs-regular-soap-which-one-is-better, diakses pada 23 Januari 2025.