Best antibacterial hand soap for 2024

During the day, a person comes into contact with a large number of surfaces - these are handrails in transport, and doors in a store, and other objects in public places. In order to protect yourself, you need to worry about hand hygiene. After examining the parameters of the products on sale, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of brands, you can choose the best antibacterial hand soap for yourself.

What is

Bacteria live on the entire surface of the human body, but most of them are their own microflora, which does not harm the body, performing, among other things, a protective function. Hands most often come into contact with the external environment, which means they take over bacteria that are on the surfaces of objects and the skin of other people. Harmful organisms get on lips, nose, mucous membranes, because all people often touch the face, and this leads to the penetration of pathogens.

Due to the high level of hand contact with harmful microorganisms, the hygiene of this particular part of the body is especially important. Plain water does not completely wash away impurities, especially fatty ones, and also cannot fight bacteria. This makes the use of hand soap mandatory. It binds impurities, which are washed off with the foam with water, and also disinfects the surface.

Antibacterial soap, unlike ordinary soap, contains special additives that are especially effective in killing bacteria. In the 50s of the 20th century. the first brands of this product appeared in the United States and were used in hospitals, where citizens especially needed it. In the 90s, such a soap went on sale and over time became popular all over the world.

Composition

The main component of any soap is various soluble salts of higher fatty acids (stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, myristic). Salts are more often represented by sodium compounds, less often potassium, very rarely - ammonium. It is this component that makes the product "lather" and perform the function of binding and removing contamination.

Special additives are added to antibacterial varieties that are responsible for suppressing the viability of bacteria:

• Triclosan. It is a synthetically produced substance that acts as a biocide or exhibits bacteriostatic properties (depending on the concentration). First produced in 1965, it is the most popular component for disinfecting soaps. Active against bacteria and some fungi.Triclosan inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids, and without this, reproduction and synthesis of membranes in microorganisms is impossible.
• Triclocarban. Known since 1960. Acts against bacteria (mostly gram-positive). The principle of action is not fully understood, but it is believed that it is similar to the action of triclosan (with the exception of the effect on the membrane).
• Chloroxylenol (Dettol). A phenol derivative with a chlorine content. It is active against gram-positive bacteria, shows little effect against gram-negative and staphylococci.
• Benzalkonium and benzethonium chloride. Affects the viability of bacteria (especially gram-negative), fungi, molds, herpes virus.
• Alcohols. Simple alcohols (methanol, ethanol, isopropyl and denatured) exhibit antiseptic properties. Included in liquid soaps.
• Natural ingredients. These include tea tree, birch tar, lemon, silver, propolis, plantain.

What are the types of soap

Antiseptic cleansers are available in a variety of options. The main criterion by which brands are divided is the form of issue. The following types are distinguished:

• Lumpy. The most common, traditional option. It has a solid form and is presented in the form of small briquettes in paper, plastic or cardboard packaging. It can become limp in a soap dish, dry out or crack.
• Liquid. It is a viscous substance poured into bottles with a dispenser, soft packs or large bottles. The last 2 options will require pouring into a convenient container with a dispenser. The composition contains potassium salts, not sodium, as for the lump version. Water is also added. It can dry out in the corners of the package, exfoliate, change the consistency, deteriorate when a foreign component enters.
• Soft. More like a paste or cream, does not harden like a lump. Contains a lot of fats, potassium salts.

There is also a division by skin type for which the product is intended to be used. In general, almost all antiseptic options have a drying effect, which is not very suitable for dry skin. However, the manufacturer may add emollients and moisturizers to minimize the effect.

Health benefits and harms

The positive properties of such a product are obvious - the fight against bacteria and viruses, which is important in unfavorable conditions during the season of epidemics, as well as in the presence of skin lesions, when there is a risk of infection of wounds. However, according to doctors, the use of the product can have a negative impact on health.

The negative effect on the state of the human body and its life expectancy has not been proven, but the results of a study on animals are presented in the USA. According to this data, antibacterial ingredients can lead to:

• allergies;
• contraction of muscle fibers;
• dermatitis;
• liver problems;
• the development of tumor processes.

In addition, such substances can lead to the subsequent immunity of the human body to antibacterial agents, because adaptation occurs over time. The component responsible for disinfection dries the skin, and also kills the entire population of bacteria, without discriminating whether they are beneficial or harmful.

In our country, the main active substances are not banned, but in the United States, triclosan, triclocarban and about 17 less common options are banned in the composition of the soap.

Terms of use

To achieve the intended effect of an antiseptic, regardless of the form of release and to avoid harm to health, the following recommendations should be followed:

1. Do not use on an ongoing basis, it is better to limit yourself to periods of high virus activity, the presence of open lesions and skin diseases. During epidemic season, it is advisable to wash your hands after each visit to the street.
2. It is worth taking this type of soap with you when traveling, to the country, when performing manipulations in a particularly polluted environment.
3. It is good to soap your hands, pay special attention to the areas around the nails, the pads of the fingers, the inner side of the palms.
4. The duration of lathering should be increased from the 20 seconds recommended for regular soap to 1-2 minutes. This is necessary for the active substance to take effect. When finished, be sure to rinse with plenty of running water.
5. After use, it is better to close the taps with a napkin or, if the design allows, with another part of the hand, and not with a brush (for example, press with your elbow).
6. After using and drying your hands, it is recommended to apply a moisturizer.

Criterias of choice

Before purchasing an antibacterial soap, it is worthwhile to study the recommendations regarding what to look for when choosing. Basic tips:

• Carefully read the description on the package. The product must have a quality certificate, and one of the antibacterial components must be included in the composition.
• The manufacturer must have a good reputation and long-term experience in the production of similar products.
• To study customer reviews about the experience of use, if presented, then a review from doctors about the effectiveness of the product.
• Choose a product depending on your skin type. For children or dry and sensitive, the best type is liquid or creamy, which contain more fats, oils, moisturizing components. Also, for these types of skin, you should not purchase brands with scrubbing particles, sulfates, mineral oils. For owners of oily skin, options with silicones are not suitable. For sensitive, children's and oily, inflamed skin, it is better to choose soap with natural disinfecting ingredients (tea tree, plantain, chamomile, calendula extract).
• The surface of the bar soap should not be dry or cracked, and the liquid should not contain clots and delamination.
• Choose the most natural remedy, with a small amount of ingredients, especially artificial preservatives, fragrances, flavors. The color of such products is dim, but this is offset by a more gentle effect on the skin.

The best manufacturers to trust:

• Procter & Gamble (Safeguard);
• Reckitt Benckiser (Dettol);
• Kalina (Velvet handles, One hundred beauty recipes, Pure line);
• Schwarzkopf (Fa);
• Colgate-Palmolive.

Quality products rating

Means for washing hands with an antibacterial effect differ in the form of release, composition and effect on the skin. Choosing from the options on sale, you should focus on these characteristics. Effective products do not necessarily have a high cost, there are also inexpensive brands.

Liquid

Dettol antibacterial, green tea

Manufacturer: RECKITT BENCKISER, France.

Active ingredient: salicylic acid.

Skin type: any.

Volume: 250 ml.

Price: 320-350 rubles.

• good antibacterial effect, kills E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus;
• has laboratory confirmation of effectiveness;
• perfectly foams, cleans from dirt;
• removes extraneous odors from hands;
• pleasant aroma;
• does not contain parabens and silicones;
• does not tighten or dry the skin.

• there are synthetic components;
• may cause allergic irritation;
• high price.

Safeguard classic dazzling white

Manufacturer: Procter & Gamble.

Active ingredient: sodium salicylate, zinc pyrithione, zinc sulfate, benzyl benzoate.

Skin type: for everyone.

Volume: 225 ml.

Average cost: 180-320 rubles.

• clinically proven effectiveness;
• protection continues after rinsing;
• enough for a long time;
• removes dirt well;
• easy to find on sale;
• reasonable cost.

• DMDM Hydantoin can cause dermatitis;
• not everyone likes the smell;
• composed of synthetic components;
• dries the skin;
• sometimes the product dries up in the "nose" of the dispenser.

Aura antibacterial Chamomile

Manufacturer: Cotton Club, Russia.

Skin type: for everyone.

Volume: 500 ml.

Cost: 80-150 rubles.

• does not contain silicones and parabens;
• contains a calming ingredient - chamomile;
• large volume for a low price;
• does not dry;
• neutral smell.

• DMDM Hydantoin can cause dermatitis;
• too liquid;
• must be poured into a bottle with a dispenser.

Lumpy

Safeguard gentle aloe care

Manufacturer: Procter & Gamble.

Active ingredient: zinc sulfate.

Features of the skin: any.

Weight: 90, 125 g.

Average price: from 40 rubles.

• triclosan-free in modern formula;
• foams well, economical;
• perfectly cleans and rinses off easily;
• low price;
• does not sour in a soap dish;
• dries, relieves inflammation.

• contains sulfates;
• contains many synthetic components;
• DMDM Hydantoin and some other substances can cause allergies and dermatitis;
• some customers report dry and tight skin after several uses;
• not everyone likes the smell.

Absolut Classic gentle

Manufacturer: Spring, Russia.

Active ingredient: triclocarban, tea tree.

Skin type: any.

Weight: 90 g.

Cost: about 30 rubles.

• good antibacterial effect;
• perfectly foams, cleans;
• pleasant aroma;
• recommended by RAMS;
• easy to find on sale;
• affordable price.

• as part of triclocarban;
• ends quickly;
• not the most natural composition.

Spring tar

Manufacturer: Spring, Russia.

Active ingredient: birch tar.

Features of the skin: any.

Weight: 90 g.

How much: 13-25 rubles.

• minimum number of components;
• natural antiseptic;
• no artificial flavors, preservatives, dyes;
• does not cause allergies;
• affordable;
• useful for problem skin.

• a specific smell that not everyone likes;
• does not foam very well, ends quickly;
• some customers report dry skin after use.

CJ Lion Antibacterial

Manufacturer: LION CORPORATION, Korea.

Active ingredient: lemon oil.

Skin type: any.

Weight: 100 g.

Average price: 75-150 rubles.

• unobtrusive aroma;
• foams very well;
• perfectly cleans;
• gently acts on the skin.

• quickly consumed;
• can not be used in the presence of open wounds;
• not cheap;
• rarely, buyers notice dry hands after use;
• the translation of the squad into Russian may contain incomplete data.

Cream soap

Velvet handles antibacterial complex

Manufacturer: Concern "Kalina", Russia.

Active ingredient: tea tree oil.

Skin type: for all types.

Volume: 240 ml.

Average price: 100-250 rubles.

• delicate texture;
• natural antiseptic, also contains silver;
• quickly removes dirt;
• no parabens, silicones, dyes;
• contains glycerin and avocado oil, which have a softening effect;
• nice smell;
• foam well, economical use;
• easily washed off, does not dry out;
• enriched with vitamins.

• According to buyers, a sticky film may be noted;
• some do not like the persistence of the scent.

Aura Derma Protect Antibacterial

Manufacturer: Cotton Club, Russia.
Active ingredient: tea tree oil, propolis extract.

Skin type: any.

Volume: 250/500 ml.

Price: from 85 rubles.

• belongs to the category "new";
• soft texture;
• natural antiseptics;
• light aroma;
• the preservative methylchloroisothiazolinone in the composition also provides an antibacterial effect;
• affordable;
• Contains aloe juice to help moisturize.

• may cause allergies.

For kids

Nevskaya cosmetics "Detskoe"

Manufacturer: Nevskaya cosmetics, Russia.

Type: lumpy.

Active ingredient: plantain extract, tea tree oil.

Skin type: sensitive.

Weight: 90 g.

Average price: 20-50 rubles.

• natural active ingredient;
• does not contain triclosan;
• certified products, antibacterial effect is established by the "Protocol of microbiological research";
• does not cause dryness, irritation;
• there are no dyes in the composition;
• unobtrusive smell;
• inexpensive.

• not long enough.

Lion Kirei Kirei floral

Manufacturer: LION CORPORATION, Japan.

Type: liquid (foam).

Active substance: isopropylmethylphenol (thymol isomerization product).

Skin type: sensitive.

Volume: 250 ml.

Average price: 320-750 rubles.

• forms a thick foam that children like;
• lathers well, just 1 press is enough, which guarantees economy of use;
• pleasant aroma of rose and lily of the valley;
• does not cause allergies and irritation;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• does not cause dryness;
• you can buy replacement blocks.

• high price;
• difficult to find on sale, you will have to order online in the online store.

Absolut kids antibacterial

Manufacturer: Spring, Russia.

Type: lumpy.

Active ingredient: extract of calendula, propolis, tea tree.

Features of the skin: for normal and sensitive.

Weight: 90 g.

How much: 30-55 rubles.

• does not contain triclosan;
• hypoallergenic composition;
• foams profusely;
• does not dry out the skin;
• does not contain dyes;
• inexpensive.

• not everyone likes the smell;
• some buyers note sticky film.

Antibacterial soap helps to get rid of bacteria that get on your hands due to frequent contact with various surfaces in public places. Each buyer can choose a suitable option for himself, focusing on the form of release, the active ingredient and the naturalness of the composition.