This comes as an observation from someone that left the United States to go live a playtime job in Asia around the turn of the millennium. I have returned to visit in the years past, but I haven't really spent enough time to really understand what has actually changed in the past near 20 years. One of the things I have noticed is that well, i guess germs are stronger because people are paranoid AF about it.
I knew that these gels existed and i figured "well, for a doctor maybe" only to return to the states and realize they are attached to the walls everywhere. I was in Lowes (a massive hardware store) and these dispensers are all over the place - because hardware is dirtier now? Guys, do you have a Grandparent? I can assure you they didn't have antibacterial gel and touched WAY dirtier stuff than you did yet they managed to eventually spawn you.
Most of the hand soaps I see are "antibacterial this, and antibacterial that." I'm pretty sure that regular soap was already antibacterial to like 95% but some company convinced you that you need to be able to wash chemical weapons off your hands in a truck stop bathroom so why not spend extra money on something?
I can just think back to my elementary school and how most of my classmates were dropping dead on the playground from not using antibacterial soaps or tiny purse gel bottles or travel wipes. I mean finally I can be super paranoid about being totally bacteria-free while on the go.
I didn't read the entire article because I wouldn't buy this crap anyway so it dosen't really apply to me but it said something along the lines of that eliminating all bacteria from your life actually INCREASES the chance of you getting sick because your body doesn't develop any sort of ability to fight germs on its own.
I honestly don't think anyone needs this stuff except (maybe) doctors and all of this expensive garbage is actually just something intended to take just a little bit more of your money out of your pocket on crap you dont need. I won't be towing the line on this one folks.