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I thought it was recently proven that anti-bacterial soaps, etc were bad for us since they caused bacterial & viral mutations that were more resistant to treatment?

Reports I've read about that, bepsf, exclude the alcohol-based gels, so I'm assuming these would be excluded as well. Their active ingredient is derived from thyme. It's the chemical antibacterials that cause resistance.
I carry these for travel only, so I picked up one to try. I like the fresh scent and that it sprays as opposed to being a gel.

Are you sure about that?

No, honestly I am not sure--not a scientist. That is just the impression I got from articles on the subject. I was led to believe that alcohol does not cause resistance because of the mechanism by which it kills bacteria.
I don't use anything that says "antibacterial." Also, I think these products should only be used when you cannot get to a sink and good old fashioned soap.

Reports I've read about that, bepsf, exclude the alcohol-based gels, so I'm assuming these would be excluded as well. Their active ingredient is derived from thyme. It's the chemical antibacterials that cause resistance.
I carry these for travel only, so I picked up one to try. I like the fresh scent and that it sprays as opposed to being a gel.

I think you might want to reread those reports. What you've posted above doesn't make sense. The reason anti-bacterials are bad does not have anything to do with the type of anti-bacterial soap/gel. Anti-bacterial soaps and gels may be causing highly resistant forms of bacteria because bacteria are constantly evolving to their environment. When they are confronted with lots of attempts to kill them, especially attempts that are unsuccessful (such as taking incomplete doses of antibiotics), they have lots of opportunities to mutate into a resistant form.

From the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:
"Bad bacteria have become much more resistant to antibiotics because of the overuse of these drugs and antibacterial cleaners. Bacteria evolves into stronger and stronger forms in order to survive and becomes much more difficult to kill. So not using antibiotics and antibacterial products unnecessarily is better for us."

Why your comment regarding alcohol gels doesn't make sense: alcohol based gels are WORSE than other gels because alcohol dries your skin out. Dry skin is more susceptible to bacteria. The major manufacturer of alcohol based gel (Purel) now makes a form of its gel that contains aloe for exactly this reason.

But to get back on topic, I have used the above soap, I think it is a good product if you feel you must use anti-bacterial soap. I started buying it when my grandma was undergoing chemo and radiation and had an impaired immune system. I used this soap right before I went into her room so that I would introduce as few bacteria as possible.

See, it's situations like Fern's that show why we shouldn't use antibacterial cleansers unless there's a good reason, such as immune system problems. If we overuse these cleansers, the bugs evolve to survive them and the antibacterial properties don't work when they really need them to.

That said, I bet the products you're showcasing here are easier on your skin than the usual stuff.

"Instead of wiping out bacteria randomly, the way regular soap or alcohol-based products do, triclosan may inhibit the growth of bacteria in a way that leaves a larger proportion of resistant bacteria behind, according to lab studies at Tufts and Colorado State Universities, among others."
This is the article I was referring to, about anti-bacterial soap ingredient triclosan and resistance.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/health/30well.html

I think we can all agree--there is no need for antibacterial soap, and people should wash their hands with soap and water.

Ergh...Back to this product. I'm glad to see you guys post something about it. I've used the orange vanilla and ginger bergamot hand soaps and really like both. The soaps don't feel harsh, nor too slimey (washes off easily) and the scents are really well balanced and smell "natural", for lack of better words. I've also purchased the hand sanitizer and like the product. They say only 2 squirts is enough which seems too little at times but I do stick to it. Overall, I like their products quite a bit. I was a Mrs. Meyers person, but have switched over with respect to the handsoaps.

Regarding the reports, if the bad ingredient is triclosan and CleanWell's products don't have it, does this mean this is a "good" or at least ok antibacterial soap?