Antibacterial body soap contains active ingredients that kill bacteria. Most body soaps, whether bar or liquid, have antibacterial chemicals. Triclosan and alcohol are the common ingredients of antibacterial body soap. While such soaps are very popular, some studies have suggested that triclosan causes skin irritations and even cancer. There also have been medical articles stating that the use of antibacterial body soap and other similar products may help produce bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics.

Still, many people choose antibacterial body soap versus “regular” body soap. Many health experts agree that there really is no need to use antibacterial body soap arguing that any soap will do the job of getting rid of bacteria. While there is some truth to that statement, antibacterial body soap does kill more bacteria than “regular” soaps. Therefore, the answer to the question of which is effective in fighting bacteria is both.

If you want extra protection against bacteria but you are concerned about the effects of chemicals found in commercially-manufactured antibacterial body soap, which can be harsh on skin, you can make your own soap using natural ingredients that contain antibacterial properties such as honey, neem oil or tea tree oil.

Here is a simple recipe for Tea Tree Oil Antibacterial Body Soap:

Ingredients: 2 cups of glycerin soap base and 2 tablespoons of tea tree oil. Instructions: Melt the glycerin soap base in a double boiler pot over medium heat. If the temperature is too high, the soap will become overly soft or beaded. Once the glycerin is melted, add the tea tree oil. Pour the soap mixture into the mold. After cooling, remove the soap from the mold and wrap it tightly in plastic to keep moisture out.

It is that easy. What is more, tea tree oil does not only kill bacteria it also works against viruses, fungi and yeasts and has a deodorizing effect so it gets rid of body odor, too. Your homemade tea tree oil antibacterial body soap works great on wounds, cuts and even athlete’s foot.

Neem oil is a great alternative to tea tree oil, and so is honey. Both have natural properties that fight bacteria. Neem oil is used to treat serious skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. Honey is an effective antiseptic for wounds, cuts, insect bites, and even burns. Antibacterial body soap using either honey or Neem oil offers excellent skin conditioning. You can find out more online what other essential oils and other organic ingredients you can use to make gentle but effective antibacterial body soap.