FDA Final Rule Issued Against Major Ingredients Found in Antibacterial Soaps

The FDA issued a final rule establishing that over-the-counter consumer antibacterial soaps containing particular active ingredients can no longer be commercialized. The ingredients were found to be neither safe for long-term use nor more effective in preventing illness than regular use of soap and running water.

This final rule comes after the revelation that triclosan (liquid soaps) and triclocarban (bar soaps) can pose serious health risks like hormonal effects or bacterial resistance. The rule addresses consumer antiseptic hand and body wash products containing one or more of 19 specific active ingredients, including the two aforementioned ingredients primarily used in popular liquid and bar soaps.

According to the anticipated rule, antibacterial hand and body wash manufacturers will be required to provide demonstrative data, highlighting its effectiveness above traditional soap and water, if they want to continue marketing antibacterial soaps containing one of the 19 ingredients.

More information on the FDA final rule can be found here.