The history of soap is very long; soaps were used for many centuries and still stay the most popular way to keep the body clean. In earlier times soap was created from natural components; now it is more about chemicals while the purpose stays the same. The process of manufacturing has changed and now we have a great variety of soaps either in bars or in a liquid form; they differ in quality, flavour and content. People need something to keep away from infections, something that will give the feeling of freshness and cleanness. Since basic hygiene not always can be preserved by pure water soap is a great way out.

Soaps also differ in the way what they are intended for. Antibacterial soap is one special kind in the line of soaps. It is special because it contains chemicals for killing bacteria. We are surrounded by bacteria all the time and although for the most part we are resistant there still is a necessity to be somehow protected. Still, the only important fact to remember about antibacterial products is that they are intended to protect against bacteria and not viruses; and this is different. The main components of antibacterial soap are chemicals. They proved to be effective but at the same time they have some drawbacks as well. Such chemical substances as triclosan and alcohol are the most popular but their frequent usage is fraught with consequences. Our body needs some amount of friendly bacteria and the excessive usage of antibacterial soap can influence them; triclosan is also known to cause bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.

The topic of antibacterial soap has brought up a lot of discussion. It is supposed to be effective against bacteria (and confirmed by some investigations) but it has nevertheless been proved by FDA that products of such kind can not provide any special protection from infection. No more that a normal bar of soap. The latter, actually, still stays the best hygiene means.