"We have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, the Food and Drug Administration' drug center director, in a statement.
Several chemicals were banned by the FDA in antibacterial soaps.
Triclosan and Triclocarban were the two main chemicals targeted by the said decision as some limited animal research suggests can interfere with hormone levels and spur drug-resistant bacteria.
Most companies have now banned the products which contains the aforementioned substance. The FDA said it will allow companies more time to provide data on three other chemicals, which are still in a majority of products sold today.
Manufacturers were told about 3 years ago to prove that their products are safe and effective but they failed to meet the federal standards.
The FDA is now undertaking a sweeping reevaluation of soaps and washes used by consumers and health professionals. The decision, however, does not include hand sanitizers, most of which use alcohol rather than antibacterial chemicals.
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