Sales of antibacterial soaps are soaring, yet a review of 27 studies on antibacterial hand soaps published in Clinical Infectious Diseases (September 2007) concluded that anti-bacterial soaps containing the ingredient triclosan are no more effective than plain soap and water for removing bacteria from hands or slowing the spread of disease. Besides concluding that there was no benefit to choosing triclosan-based products over plain soap, researchers identified possible risks: the use of antibiotic soaps could lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

According to Lisa Farino for MSN Health and Fitness, even hospitals in the U.S. are concluding that the risk isn't worth it. Experts agree that the best way to prevent the transmission of disease is to simply practice proper hand-washing techniques with plain and soap and water.