A study by Kim et al, published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, found that antibacterial soap containing triclosan (0.3%) was no more effective than plain soap at reducing bacterial contamination when used under ‘real-life’ conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) put out a tip sheet on the best way to wash your hands.  Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. To date, studies have shown that there is no added health benefit for consumers (this does not include professionals in the healthcare setting) using soaps containing antibacterial ingredients compared with using plain soap.

For more on the current status of Triclosan–its health and environmental risks–see this review by Dhillon et al, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.