ABSTRACT
It is commonly recognized that bacteria are ubiquitous in our environment. These bacteria are associated with a variety of disease conditions; therefore, it is important to hold the numbers of bacteria in check. As early as 1860, Semmelweis [1] demonstrated that, by reducing the level of bacteria on the skin, through handwashing, a corresponding reduction in the incidence of infection could be observed. Semmelweis recognized the advantage of using an antimicrobial product over water or plain soap and water. Through the years, the use of antimicrobial products in consumer and healthcare settings has grown. Antimicrobial wash products play an important role in improving personal hygiene and can help in the prevention of disease.
