During this pandemic, you have probably been seeing more antibacterial body wash than you knew existed. But do they work and if so which one should you choose. Let’s take a closer look at the body wash that promises to kill the germs on your skin.
What is an antibacterial body wash?
It is a body wash that kills the bacteria on your skin. The body wash works just like the antibacterial soap for our hands. It contains additional antibacterial chemicals such as ”triclosan” and ”triclocarban”. But do we need to kill all the bacteria living on our skin?
The benefits of an antibacterial body wash:
- Prevents body odor
When bacteria live on your skin and mixes with your sweat, the result is the stinky body odor you want to control. By using an antibacterial body wash, you kill all the bacteria that are responsible for the smell. Antibacterial body wash, in combination with deodorant, is very effective at keeping odors at bay. Remember that everyone has a body odor. You should not be ashamed of it, but you have to take care of your hygiene.
- Kills germs and bacteria
During this pandemic, most of us have started paying a lot more attention to germs and our health. We all now want to be sure that there are no bacteria on our bodies. An antibacterial body wash is great to use on any exposed body parts. It also kills some potentially infectious bacteria and protects against some skin problems such as Staphylococcus infection.
- Cures and prevents skin issues
The presence of bacteria is a leading cause of many skin issues. One of these issues is also face and body acne, caused by P.Acnes trapped in our pores and resulting in a breakout. Antibacterial body washes can kill these bacteria and help prevent acne. Also, they are great for wound care to avoid infection.
How to choose the right antibacterial body wash?
There is no big difference between choosing a simple body wash. You should always keep in mind that you must treat your body like you do your delicate face. So, you have to choose a body wash based on your body’s special needs. If your skin is normal, you can use whichever body wash you wish. If it is dry, you should find a moisturizing body wash that is thicker, richer, and non-drying. Also, for dry skin, some cleansing oils provide a moisturizing foam once wet. For oily, acne-prone skin you should choose a shower gel that acts as an astringent. Regarding the antibacterial body wash, you should avoid the following ingredients according to the FDA:
- Cloflucarban
- Fluorosalan
- Hexachlorophene
- Hexylresorcinol
- Iodine complex (ammonium ether sulfate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate)
- Iodine complex (phosphate ester of alkylaryloxy polyethylene glycol)
- Nonylphenoxypoly (ethyleneoxy) ethanoliodine
- Poloxamer-iodine complex
- Povidone-iodine 5 to 10%
- Undecoylium chloride iodine complex
- Methylbenzethonium chloride
- Phenol (greater than 1.5%)
- Phenol (less than 1.5%) 16
- Secondary amyltricresols
- Sodium oxychlorosene
- Tribromsalan
- Triclocarban
- Triclosan
- Triple dye
Which ingredients should you look for?
The best ingredients that you should seek for in an antibacterial body wash are the natural ones:
- Coconut oil
Surprisingly, coconut oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties? Also, it is an excellent moisturizer, especially for dehydrated skin.
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is probably the most gentle antibacterial ingredient. It is suitable for all skin types, even for dry skin. Instead of drying out the skin(as most antibacterial ingredients do), it moisturizes it. Tea tree oil is also an excellent treatment for acne.
- Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a moisturizing, antibacterial ingredient that would be the perfect addition to your body wash. Refreshing and soothing, aloe is suitable even for dry skin as it doesn’t cause any dryness or irritations.
- Apple cider vinegar
This ingredient may seem a bit unusual. Though it also is antiseptic and antibacterial. You may not find a lot of body washes with it, but if you do, give them a try!
My Top Picks for Antibacterial Body Wash
Majestic Pure Tea Tree Body Wash
Majestics Tea Tree Wash is pack full of amazing natural ingredients. Tea tree oil is an excellent natural antibacterial and antifungal. Other oils like coconut, cocoa, and jojoba are sure to keep your skin well moisturized.
Sensitive Skin Body Wash by Tree to Tub
This body wash focuses on balanced PH and quality organic ingredients, from the fantastic scent of orange essential oils to the naturally antibacterial aloe vera. Suppose you suffer from eczema or just easily irritated skin. In that case, this soap will nourish, hydrate, and heal it back to perfection.
Vita Vie Pure Cleansing Wash
This soap is great at washing away and protecting your skin from irritants caused by bacteria and fungus. It also has a great scent that works well for both men and women. The natural and organic ingredients make it safe enough for the kids.
Remedy Soap Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
Remedy makes an excellent soap for people with a very active lifestyle. This bath gel is made from organic peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils. These oils are all well known for helping with all sorts of skin issues.
Dial for Men
The only part of this body wash that is for men is the smell. Other than that, it is a typical antibacterial soap from Dial. They also claim 24-hour “odor” protection. In reality, all antibacterial body washes should offer this level of protection.
Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Body Wash
This body and foot wash washes away and protects you from the bacteria and fungus. These are responsible for body odor, acne, ringworm, jock itch, athletes foot, and other common skin issues. It is made using traditional techniques from quality botanical ingredients.
Antibacterial body washes will be a ”trend” and gain a lot of popularity during this pandemic. It is important to remember that all those germs and bacteria in our skin have a purpose. Sometimes it is best to not ”disturb” them. Instead, disturb your hands’ bacteria and use your antibacterial body wash less frequently and not every day.