Does Unscented Soap Kill More Bacteria Than Scented Soap?

Unscented and scented antibacterial soap can both kill bacteria

Scented and unscented soaps that contain an antibacterial agent can kill bacteria. Natural scents enhance antibacterial properties of soap but synthetic scents have negative side effects and cause increased skin sensitivity.

Antibacterial Soap

In order for soap to kill bacteria on the skin, it must contain an antimicrobial agent, usually Triclosan. A hormone disruptor in animals according to studies performed in 2010 by the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, Triclosan also increases the risk of bacterial strains resistant to antiseptic ingredients developing, cautions the Centers for Disease Control.

Natural Scents

Naturally antibacterial, soaps scented with essential oils do not have the side effects of chemicals like Triclosan. A study from the January 2006 issue of "Clinical Microbiology Reviews" found tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) particularly antimicrobial. Soap scented with essential oils will kill bacteria naturally without developing resistant strains or causing environmental damage. Unlike petroleum-based synthetic fragrances, these scents increase the antimicrobial power of the soap.

Considerations

Soaps scented with essential oils will kill bacteria on skin without harmful side effects. Scented or unscented soaps containing Triclosan also will kill bacteria but with potentially adverse effects. Soaps containing synthetic fragrances have no effect on bacteria and may dry or irritate the skin.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hygiene of the Skin: When Is Clean Too Clean?
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Triclosan Facts
• Clinical Microbiology Reviews: Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: A Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties; C. F. Carson, K. A. Hammer, T. V. Riley; January 2006