The FDA has banned antibacterial soap ingredients that were useless in the first place

The US Food and Drug Administration has banned 19 active ingredients in antibacterial soaps — including the hotly debated chemicals triclosan and triclocarban. The rule is meant to help curb antibiotic-resistance and some other effects of the chemicals, including hormonal interference.

"In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term."

Manufacturers who make soaps and hand cleansers with these ingredients will need to either remove them, or stop selling the products entirely within a year. Hand sanitizers that are not designed to be washed off with water and sanitizing wipes are safe for now — but the FDA is evaluating the ones that use triclosan, too.

The ruling is the FDA's...