Multiple ingredients in antibacterial soaps were recently effectively banned by the FDA in the US as we talked about back in September.
The FDA said that there was not enough evidence to show these products were better than ordinary soap and water, and that they could do more harm than good.
The ruling cited concerns from scientists that long-term exposure to these chemicals could promote antibiotic resistance, disrupt hormones and, potentially, cause cancer in mice.
While a similar ban has not yet been applied here in Australia, manufacturers are working to remove triclosan and triclocarban, two of the ingredients banned in the US.
According to ABC journalist Nicole Chette, "When the ABC contacted four other manufacturers, they each confirmed they would eliminate the chemicals that are banned in the US in the next 12 months. Those companies were Woolworths, Aldi, Colgate-Palmolive and Reckitt Benckiser (RB) — the makers of Dettol".
Microbiologist Liz Harry, from University of Technology Sydney's ithree institute, which researches infectious diseases, was pleased about the changes in America.
"I'm really surprised that the US has done this, because there must have been a lot of pressure from commercial entities … I think this is fantastic. I applaud it," she said.