The study suggests that antibacterial soap may increase antibiotic resistance

A group of international researchers evaluated the effect of biocides (chemical or biological agents used to control harmful organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae) on antimicrobial resistance.

The researchers noted that these biocides are added to many common household products, including antibacterial hand soap, disinfecting wipes, spray cleaners, laundry sanitizers, textiles and personal care products.

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After analyzing many Existing studiesThe team concluded that biocides – particularly quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and chloroxylenol – can promote antimicrobial resistance. The results were published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

A new study suggests that the use of antibacterial soaps and other cleaning products may contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. (Istock)

Quaternary ammonium compounds (often called “quats”) are a group of chemicals commonly used as disinfectants, sterilizers, and preservatives. Chloroxylenol is an antiseptic and antiseptic chemical used to kill bacteria and Some viruses On skin or surfaces.

When bacteria become resistant to these biocides, they can also become resistant to clinical antibiotics, increasing the risk of severe disease, disability or death, the researchers warned.

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“Antibacterial soaps, wipes and sprays can make killing bacteria more difficult, even with them Critical antibioticsThey offer no additional benefit over regular soap and water for everyday household use, lead author Rebecca Foucault, director of science communications at the Green Science Policy Institute and a doctoral student at Johns Hopkins University, told Fox News Digital.

“We are fueling the antibiotic resistance crisis from our sinks and countertops with products that do not provide the protection their marketing suggests.”

“Antibacterial soaps, wipes and sprays can make killing bacteria more difficult, even with important antibiotics, but they offer no additional benefit over plain soap and water for everyday household use,” the lead author said. (Istock)

The study had limitations, primarily because it was based on a review of existing studies rather than new empirical data.

“This is a view that brings together the current body of research, not a clinical study generating new evidence,” Foucault admitted. “We still need better data on how household biocides compare with other pathogens, such as antibiotic overuse in hospitals and agriculture.”

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The research has only established an association and has not proven that the products cause antimicrobial resistance. Actual health effects may vary depending on the concentration and use of individual products.

The authors recommend that Global Health Organization Implement targets to reduce the use of biocides for consumer products in the upcoming global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. They also call on governments to reduce antimicrobial ingredients in household products and promote public awareness.

When bacteria become resistant to these biocides, they can also become resistant to clinical antibiotics, increasing the risk of severe disease, disability or death, the researchers warned. (Istock)

Foucault recommended “using plain soap and water for daily hand washing and routine cleaning.” “Retain disinfectants when you are cleaning after a loved one is sick Contagious disease. In these cases, the bleach works without the risk of resistance.”

Dr. Mark Siegel, chief medical analyst at Fox News, was not involved in the study but spoke about the potential risks.

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Millions of people die every year from antibiotic-induced infections, which are new infections or complications that arise from the use of antibiotics that kill beneficial bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to grow. Resistant bacteria Or fungi, the doctor warned.

“Benzalkonium chloride is in a lot of these products, and it works as a disinfectant, but it has also been linked to bacterial resistance,” Siegel told Fox News Digital.

“Old-fashioned soap and water is still the best cleaner for most things, but it’s often overlooked.”

“Bacteria can collect and grow Billions of coloniesThe principle of ‘survival of the fittest’ means that those who are not exposed to these chemicals are more likely to survive.”

Siegel agrees that there should be less of these chemicals in American products and environments, not more. “Good old soap and water is still the best cleaner for most things, but it is often overlooked in detergents, hand wipes and similar products,” he said.

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In October 2025, the World Health Organization warned that one in six bacterial infections is resistant to antibiotics.

More than one million deaths each year are directly linked to antibiotic resistance, according to a study by the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) project.

Millions of people die every year from antibiotic infections, which are new infections or complications caused by the use of antibiotics that kill beneficial bacteria. (Istock)

The American Cleaning Institute, based in Washington, D.C., says that although antimicrobial resistance is a serious global health concern, the newly published research reflects opinions, not new data. The ACI added that claims that such products provide “no additional health benefit” oversimplify a complex issue.

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“Public health authorities are continually aware of the overuse and overprescription of antibiotic drug products Medical care “Overuse in agriculture are the two main drivers of antibiotic resistance around the world,” the organization said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

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“Blanket recommendations to phase out entire categories of consumer products, regardless of their regulated uses and proven benefits, do not advance progress.” public health “Risk of undermining effective hygiene and infection prevention practices.”