3 Alarming Reasons to Go Anti-Antibacterial

You see the word “antibacterial” on everything from soaps and hand sanitizers to laundry detergents, shower curtains, and even clothing. Well, do yourself and your fellow humans a big favor and leave those products right on the store shelves. Why? For three reasons:

1. Triclosan, the active ingredient in bacteria-killing products, is increasingly being linked to serious health problems like hormone disruption and immune system impairment.

2. The chemical assault on bacteria is fueling the rise of supergerms that stand up and say “Boo!” to everything medical science can throw at them. That’s because those clever little germs are able to mutate, which allows them to survive exposure to triclosan.

3. According to medical pros, soaps and hand sanitizers don’t need any antibacterial ingredients. While soap or sanitizer will help remove surface dirt, the simple act of rubbing your hands together destroys any germs on your skin.

You say you want to give up using your hand sanitizer, but you’ll miss its convenience and portability? No problem! Whip up a batch of this simple — and safe — DIY spray:

Mix ¼ cup of vodka, ¼ cup of water, and 20 drops each of lavender essential oil and tea tree oil. Pour the potion into two 2-ounce bottles. Tuck one into your pocket or purse, and spritz the liquid onto your hands as you would any other sanitizer.