Hand Soap Recall 2026: How to Choose a Safe Soap

You wash your hands to get rid of germs. So it's unsettling to learn the soap itself could be the problem.

In September, the FDA announced a recall of six hand soaps that may contain harmful bacteria. A lot of you have asked me about it at the market, so here's what happened, how to check your bottles, and what I look for in a soap I'd trust for my own family.

What was recalled

Intercon Chemical Co. of St. Louis voluntarily recalled six hand soaps, announced September 16, 2026. FDA testing found two of them may be contaminated with Pseudomonas and Serratia bacteria, including P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens, which can cause infections. The FDA rated it a Class II recall, meaning the products may cause temporary or serious health problems. (FOX6 News)

The soaps went to 19 wholesalers and one retailer across 15 states. That means many of them ended up in offices, schools, and public restrooms, where you'd never see the label.

If you have one of these soaps

1. Stop using it right away.
2. Check the brand, product name, and size against the list above.
3. Return it to where you bought it, or contact the manufacturer about a refund.
4. If you work somewhere that uses these brands, let your facilities manager know.
5. If you used one and notice a skin infection or feel unwell, call your doctor, especially if anyone in your home has a weakened immune system.

Why soap can go bad

Liquid and foaming soaps are mostly water, and bacteria need water to grow. That's why water-based soaps rely on a preservative to keep them clean from the day they're made until the last pump.

Contamination usually starts in one of three places: the water or equipment used to make the batch, a preservative that isn't strong enough, or a bottle that gets topped off at home. Refilling a half-empty dispenser mixes fresh soap with anything already growing inside, so empty and wash the bottle first.

How to choose a safe hand soap

• A full ingredient list. You should be able to read every ingredient on the label, including the preservative.
• A lot or batch number. It means the maker can trace a problem and tell you if your bottle is affected.
• A maker you can reach. A real website, email, or phone number, and someone who answers questions.
• Sealed packaging. Skip bottles that look opened, cloudy, separated, or smell off.
• A "preservative-free" liquid soap is a red flag. Water-based products need protection. Bar soap is different: it's dry, so it's much less friendly to bacteria.
• Gentle over fancy. For everyday handwashing, plain soap and 20 seconds of scrubbing do the job. Antibacterial claims aren't necessary.

How we do it at Ollie

At Ollie, we make goat milk bar soap in small batches, so I know exactly what goes into every bar.

• No preservative needed. Liquid soap is mostly water. Our bars are made with goat milk instead of water, and the water in the milk evaporates as the soap cures. A finished bar has almost no water left, so bacteria have nothing to grow in.
• Clean from the start. We follow standard safety practices and sterilize our ingredients before they go into a batch.
• Cured for 6 to 8 weeks. Every bar rests for six to eight weeks before it's sold. Curing lets the water in the goat milk evaporate and the bar harden, so it's gentler on skin and lasts longer at the sink.

That wait is the one thing about handmade soap you can't rush, and it's a big part of why bar soap stays fresh without added preservatives.

If you ever have a question about an ingredient, ask me at the market or send a message. I'm always happy to talk about it.

The bottom line

Check the soaps in your house and at work, toss anything on the recall list, and don't top off old pump bottles. When you buy your next soap, look for a clear label and a maker who stands behind it.

Come say hi at [market name and day], or shop online at [website].

Sources: FDA recall coverage, FOX6 News · FOX 5 Atlanta