Some companies have already started removing them from their soaps, but now every manufacturer will be required to get rid of them.
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“We have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a press release. “In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term.” (You can find the full list of ingredients here.)
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The ruling comes three years after the FDA proposed a rule asking companies to provide data that proved particular ingredients were safe and effective in over-the-counter antibacterial washes if they wanted to continue to use them.
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So what should you use instead? According to the FDA, “washing with plain soap and running water remains one of the most important steps consumers can take to avoid getting sick and to prevent spreading germs to others.”
BTW: The FDA’s ruling doesn’t impact hand sanitizers, wipes, or antibacterial products used at your doctor’s office. Check the ingredient labels on the soaps you use if you’re concerned.