Antibacterial Soap: Dangers and Alternatives

Domonique Tiera
Jul 30, 2018
4 min read

Updated: Oct 23, 2018

Growing up in a black household, antibacterial anything was seen as a staple cleaning substance. The house wasn't clean unless you could barley breathe from the strong stench of bleach in the air. Bleach was used to wash dishes, clothes and countless other things around the house. We also would take Lysol wipes with us anywhere we go to disinfect our surroundings at all times. Though killing germs may sound beneficial because it's thought that bacteria is bad and creates sickness, in reality only a few bugs harm us and these harsh substances could be doing more harm than good.

Importance of Bacteria for our Bodies

The human body has an abundance of micro organisms called the Human Microbiome. There is bacteria on and inside us working for our good 24/7. There are about 10x more bacteria than human cells in our body. These organisms educate our immune cells, teaching them the difference between things we should and shouldn't fight off. They can even spew out their own antibiotics at bacteria that isn't suppose to be in us. The bacteria in our body varies in shape, color, size and type all depending on where they are located. Our gut has the most diverse and complex microbiome of our whole body. These bacteria help regulate our metabolism, determine how much energy we burn, how much fat we store and so much more. If these bacteria in our gut are out numbered by bad bacteria or if our gut lacks bacteria in general we are more likely to suffer from a host of diseases, stemming from colon cancer, colitis, to diabetes, obesity and even asthma and allergies.

The Problem

Triclosan is a major ingredient used in antibacterial substances like soap and bleach. It is also in clothing, kitchen utensils, cosmetics and toys. This substance has been around since 1960 and used in hospitals to stem bacterial growth.

There is some evidence that supports that the use of this chemical induces hormonal changes, endocrine and immune problems and even sterility in some animals. Due to consumer outrage, Triclosan is being removed from some antibacterial soaps, but there are other dangerous chemicals in these substances as well.

Your skin is your largest organ and it absorbs what you put on it. If you are washing your hands or body with chemical filled products, then these chemicals are seeping into your blood stream and you are getting a dose of Triclosan or whatever other unknown substances are in your favorite products.

So why do we have to cut out our antibacterial soaps?

The bottom line is, if you kill 99.9% of bacteria the 1% that do survive are super strong and are going to replicate making stronger and stronger generations. These are also known as super bugs. These super bugs are immune to antibiotics until we get enough information on how to kill them.

Killing 99.9% of bacteria means you are also killing the good bacteria that make up your microbiome, and we already know the consequences of harming our microbiome. The abundance in the use of antibacterial substances, antibiotics and increase in C-section deliveries is a main reason why the amount of children with asthma and allergies have skyrocketing in recent years.

(I say c-section deliveries because when a newborn passes through the mothers vaginal canal the baby is covered in the mothers microbiome, giving them a huge dose of good bacteria they need for their immune system. Having a c-section takes this opportunity away.)

What are some replacements?

At this point, I know some of you may be devastated because you've just learned that your go-to cleaning product is harmful. Well, not to worry because I am hear to provide solutions to your problems. It is important to note that the CDC announced that washing your hands with regular soap for 20 seconds will kill the same germs as antibacterial soaps. However, here are some all natural antibacterial solutions:

1.) Oregano

Oregano is part of the Labiatae family of plants. These plants have high antibacterial properties and have been tested against Staph, Salmonella, Listeria and Cholera. You can find a good natural soap with oil of oregano in it. Most of these soaps will also have coconut oils which has it's own antibacterial properties as well. You can also add a pinch of pure oregano oil to water, or any other natural substance you have to enhance it's antibacterial properties.

2.) Tea Tree

4-5 drops of pure tea tree oil in 2 cups of water in a spray bottle can disinfect the same things that Lysol spray would disinfect, without the harsh chemicals. This oil is a strong antiseptic and antifungal. It has showed to work as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide in decreasing the symptoms of acne.

3.) All Natural Brands

Due to high demand, plenty of brands are now coming out with all natural formulas. My favorite brand is Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap. This soap can be used for the body, hair, face, as a laundry detergent, dish washing detergent, etc. It has all natural ingredients and has a Tea Tree version.

Target also has some all natural brands to look into.

It is important to learn and unlearn our harmful ways of living. I know that most of us grew up using certain harmful products and participating in harmful activities. It can be overwhelming learning that almost everything you eat and use is harming you. I KNOW, I WENT THROUGH IT. But it is important to know that there are alternatives to everything you love that will not harm you, but will actually help you. Of course we all are going to die one day, but what's important is the quality of your life while you're living. If there are other options then there is no reason for you to suffer.

If you would like more information on how to live a more holistically healthy lifestyle, health coaching, Organic Irish Seamoss capsules, Organic Spirulina Capsules contact me at contact@holisticdom.com

Much Love,

Dom