Extra sweaty and smelly this summer? You probably don't need antibacterial soap for that.

It’s hot out, you’re sweaty and you probably have some body odor. But I’m here to set the record straight: You don’t need antibacterial soap for that.

Apparently it’s a necessary reminder after a post on X called people out for using regular soap during the heat wave and insinuating that it isn’t enough to get rid of the summer “stank.” The user encouraged people to use antibacterial cleansing products instead, and thus, started a debate.

So what’s the difference between antibacterial soap and regular soap, anyway? How do you know what you’re supposed to be using on the day-to-day? Let’s get into it.

What’s happening?

• A user posted to X on July 7 complaining about people using Dove soap to wash their bodies. They claimed that the brand’s products are for moisturizing only and that antibacterial soap is necessary for getting rid of body odor.

• As of publish, the post has 1.3 million views, more than 1.5k retweets and hundreds of comments. Needless to say, it sparked conversation.

• Commenters argued over cleanliness — specifically if a Dove Beauty Bar (the brand’s popular bar of soap) is efficient enough to clean the body. Some said if you’re having an issue with body odor after washing with regular soap, there might be a bigger problem.

• Mercedes Edney, a licensed esthetician and founder of Ixora Botanical Beauty who goes by @skincarebully on X, posted a video to her own account on July 8 to break down the differences between a regular cleansing soap and something that is antibacterial.

• Edney said that antibacterial soaps may be necessary if you have a medical condition or prescription from a physician.

• Spoiler alert: regular soap is doing all that it needs to do otherwise.

What is the difference between antibacterial soap and others?

What I’ve been calling “regular soap” is actually referred to as non-antibacterial soap, according to Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery. She tells Yahoo Life that the difference between soaps that are non-antibacterial and those that are lie in their ingredients and intended use.

“Non-antibacterial soap is formulated to remove dirt, oil and bacteria through the physical action of washing. It typically contains surfactants, which help lift and wash away impurities from the skin. Antibacterial soap, on the other hand, contains additional chemical agents specifically designed to kill bacteria,” she says. “Common antibacterial ingredients include triclosan and triclocarban [both of which are effective against bacteria and fungus] although many newer formulations use alternatives like benzalkonium chloride due to regulatory changes.”

Edney tells Yahoo Life that while most antibacterial soaps will be labeled as such, the “drug facts” section on the back will also indicate if the soap has an active ingredient, such as benzalkonium chloride.

“This ingredient is what makes the difference,” she said in her video posted online. “It doesn’t just remove [bacteria], it kills the bacteria on the body, which is why they’re used in hospitals, medical facilities. They make you use it before you [undergo] surgery. If you have medical conditions that can cause an increase of bacteria … they have you use antibacterial soaps for that purpose.” If you’re simply sweating from spending time outside or exercising, “regular soap does what it’s supposed to do,” she said.

The confusion, she tells Yahoo Life, is mostly due to marketing. An emphasis on antibacterial products has also resulted from conversations around COVID-19, says Edney, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that “there isn’t enough science to show that over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial soaps are better at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water.”

“Many people believe they need stronger or antibacterial soaps due to a desire for an extra layer of cleanliness, especially during a heat wave when sweating is increased,” adds Kopelman. “While it’s true that hot weather can lead to more sweat and potential odor, regular soap is typically effective enough.”

A benzoyl peroxide body wash can also be used to combat body odor under the arms specifically, as well as hand sanitizer in a pinch.

Is it unsafe to use antibacterial soap all over the body?

While it’s important to follow personal recommendations from your doctor, antibacterial soap is likely unnecessary for washing your body and can pose some risks.

“One major concern is skin irritation as the harsh chemicals can dry out and irritate the skin, potentially causing dermatitis or eczema. Another significant issue is antibiotic resistance; frequent use of antibacterial agents can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making infections harder to treat,” says Kopelman. That potential risk has been observed through scientific studies and mostly pertains to triclosan, which has been phased out of OTC antibacterial products. “Additionally, the disruption of the skin microbiome can impair the skin’s ability to fend off infections and maintain overall health.”

Kopelman specifically says not to use antibacterial soap on either the face or genital region. “These areas have delicate skin that is better cleaned with milder, pH-balanced products to avoid irritation and disruption of the skin’s natural barrier,” she says.

Edney says it can cause yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis if used on private parts and should be avoided, “unless you're having surgery or something medically necessary.”

The takeaway:

The way I look at it, plain soap is the rule and antibacterial is the exception. Therefore, I’d stick to the former unless specifically instructed otherwise.

If you’re feeling a little extra sweaty (or smelly) this summer, take an extra shower to rinse off and maybe even experiment with switching your deodorant to an antiperspirant. If you’re needing something more, consult your physician before scrolling X for the solution.