The effect of handcream on the antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine gluconate

A series of handwashing experiments compared the residual effect on Escherichia coli of non-medicated soap, chlorhexidine detergent followed by an anionic handcream, chlorhexidine detergent followed by a non-ionic handcream and chlorhexidine detergent alone. Handcreams containing an anionic emulsifying agent reduced the antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine.