Cosmetic companies here are cautiously backing a ban on some ingredients in anti-bacterial soap.

LISTEN ABOVE: Environmental Toxicologist at the Cawthron Institute Louis Tremblay spoke to Larry Williams

The US Food and Drug Administration has banned 19 ingredients found in the products, saying manufacturers can't prove their long term safety, or that they're more effective than plain soap and water.

Executive Director of the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Fragrance Association Garth Wyllie said a New Zealand ban isn't a bad idea.

"We'll only support it if it can be done in conjunction with the international changes in the same space. We wouldn't want to jump ahead of international changes because that makes it incredibly difficult in terms of changing our products."

Mr Wyllie said companies are actively moving towards natural ingredients.

"The companies themselves are constantly looking at the ingredients they're using. There's a very huge trend internationally towards natural and organic-type ingredients. Very consistent with where the industry see things going."

Environmental Toxicologist at the Cawthron Institute, Louis Tremblay told Larry Williams over-use of these ingredients can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

"For use by the wider community, it's an overkill. Especially when it's been proven that normal soap is enough to keep us safe."

Scientists say the chemicals can even interfere with oestrogen and testosterone levels. Perhaps even causing thyroid problems.

The ban excludes hand sanitizers and wipes.