Triclosan
Triclosan is a chemical ingredient with antibacterial properties. In 2016, the FDA ruled companies couldn’t sell triclosan-containing consumer products such as antibacterial soaps anymore. They stated these products haven’t proven to be any more effective than plain soap and water. Scientists are still studying the health effects of triclosan.
What products contain triclosan?
A wide range of consumer products contain triclosan. More than 80% of triclosan usage is in personal care products, cosmetics and household cleaning products. These products contain between 0.1% and 0.3% triclosan. These include items regulated by the FDA, such as:
- Fluoride toothpaste.
- Mouthwashes.
- Facial cleansers.
- Aftershave.
- Deodorants and body sprays.
- Lotions and creams.
- Cosmetics.
- Detergents and dishwashing liquids.
Triclosan is part of other materials, including pesticides and textiles. It keeps these materials resistant to bacterial growth. Clothing, shoes, carpeting, furniture, toys and kitchenware all contain the ingredient. The FDA doesn’t regulate these products.
Triclosan’s first use was as a pesticide in the 1960s. It’s now an ingredient in commercial and industrial equipment such as conveyor belts and HVAC coils. In residential and public access areas, it’s used in flooring, shower curtains and mattresses.
EVERYTHING YOU NEEDS TO KNOW:
Triclosan is a common ingredient found in various consumer products, including antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, cosmetics, clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys. Its primary purpose is to prevent bacterial contamination. However, there are concerns regarding its safety and effectiveness.
Short-term animal studies have shown that exposure to high doses of triclosan may lead to a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones. Additionally, there is a possibility that triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. However, the significance of these findings to human health remains unclear.
Ongoing studies are investigating the potential long-term effects of triclosan exposure on human health. These include a study on the potential development of skin cancer after exposure to triclosan in animals and another study on the breakdown of triclosan to other chemicals on human skin after exposure to UV rays.
While there is evidence that triclosan provides a benefit in some consumer products, such as Colgate Total toothpaste for preventing gingivitis, there is no evidence that it provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water in OTC consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes.
In December 2017, the FDA issued a final rule that companies will not be able to use triclosan or 23 other active ingredients in certain OTC health-care antiseptic products without premarket review due to insufficient data regarding their safety and effectiveness. The FDA is also reviewing the three active ingredients commonly used in hand sanitizers.
If a product contains triclosan, it should be listed as an ingredient on the label in the Drug Facts box for OTC drugs or in the ingredient list for cosmetics.
The FDA continues to review safety and effectiveness data on triclosan and monitor scientific literature for any potential risks associated with its use.
