4 min readNew DelhiAug 24, 2026 07:00 PM IST
When it comes to shower routines, a single soap bar or body wash might seem like enough. However, a recent suggestion from a content creator suggests we may need a more targeted approach.
According to Madame Sweat, “There’s two sweat glands that reside in the groin, underarms and your feet.” She explains that these areas may benefit from a different kind of treatment than fragrant soaps. Her advice? Reserve antibacterial soap for the “sweaty bits” and keep fragrant soaps for other body parts.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
To understand this further, indianexpress.com spoke to an expert about the effects of using antibacterial versus standard soaps and how our choice of soap could influence skin health.
Benefits to using antibacterial soap on sweat-prone areas like the underarms, groin, and feet
Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, says, “Using antibacterial soap on sweat-prone areas like the underarms, groin, and feet can be beneficial, as these areas are more susceptible to bacterial growth due to increased moisture and warmth. Research indicates that sweat-prone regions often harbour higher levels of bacteria, including those that can lead to body odour and potential infections. Antibacterial soaps contain ingredients like triclosan or benzalkonium chloride, which target and reduce bacterial populations more effectively than regular soaps.”
Focusing antibacterial soap on these areas may help prevent issues such as odour and skin infections, he adds, especially for individuals prone to excessive sweating or who engage in activities that increase sweat production. “However, it’s generally unnecessary to use antibacterial soap over the entire body, as other areas don’t usually harbour as much bacteria and can benefit from gentler cleansers.”
Risks associated with using antibacterial soaps on the skin daily, mainly if applied to non-sweat-prone areas
While antibacterial soaps can be helpful for high-bacteria areas, Dr Hiremath cautions that frequent use across the whole body carries certain risks. “Daily use of antibacterial soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Studies, such as those published in The Journal of Clinical Microbiology, have shown that overuse of antibacterial agents can disrupt the skin’s microbiome — the community of microorganisms that play a role in skin health. Disrupting this balance may increase the likelihood of skin sensitivity and may even lead to certain dermatological conditions, such as eczema or contact dermatitis.”
Additionally, antibacterial soaps may contribute to antibiotic resistance, as certain ingredients, like triclosan, have been associated with developing resistant bacterial strains. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has restricted some antibacterial ingredients in consumer soaps due to concerns about long-term health impacts and environmental harm. For non-sweat-prone areas, it’s generally safer and healthier to use a mild, non-antibacterial soap that cleanses without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier, mentions Dr Hiremath.
Using antibacterial soap over the entire body is generally unnecessary, as other areas don’t usually harbour as much bacteria and can benefit from gentler cleansers. (Source: Freepik)
How do fragrant soaps impact the skin on sensitive body areas, and could they exacerbate any common skin issues?
Dr Hiremath says, “Fragrant soaps often contain synthetic fragrances and preservatives that can be irritating, particularly on sensitive areas of the skin. The skin in regions like the groin and underarms is thinner and more sensitive, making it more susceptible to irritation from harsh chemicals.”
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For individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, he says, using fragranced soaps in sensitive areas can exacerbate these issues, causing discomfort and potentially leading to further skin damage. “It’s often recommended to use fragrance-free or hypoallergenic soaps in these areas to reduce the risk of irritation. Fragrance-free products are gentler on the skin’s protective barrier and help maintain its natural moisture, which is especially important in sensitive areas.”
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
