With ingredient lists that seem to go on for days, it can be challenging to keep track of what, exactly, is in the products you use every day. But because some ingredients pose a serious threat to human health, there are certain ingredients you need to be more aware of than others—and one of those ingredients is triclosan.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about triclosan: what it is, the inherent dangers, which products you need to look out for, and what the FDA is doing to stop this ingredient from harming consumers:
What Is Triclosan?
Triclosan is a synthetic chemical that’s historically been used either as a preservative in water-based products or as an antibacterial agent to prevent (or reduce) bacterial contamination in products.
While triclosan has been used in a number of household products (including clothing, toys, and furniture), its most problematic use is in products used on the body, Common consumer products that may include triclosan are body wash, deodorant, antibacterial soap, toothpaste, hand sanitizers and beauty/cosmetic products (including skincare). According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the present time there is no evidence that triclosan in personal care products provides an extra benefit to health beyond its anti-gingivitis effect in toothpaste. Despite this, triclosan is readily absorbed into human skin and oral mucosa (like when we brush our teeth) and can linger in human tissue and fluids. This ingredient can be problematic, posing health concerns in many of the other products due to the fact that its safety can not be conclusively proven.
Triclosan Dangers: Is Triclosan Safe?
There are a number of potential triclosan dangers that pose health risks. Though introduced into hospital and health care settings for widespread use as a surgical antiseptic scrub in the early '70's, its usage and global production has decreased substantially.
The first has to do with creating bacterial resistance. Studies show that triclosan “may contribute to reduced susceptibility to clinically important antimicrobials”—or, in other words, can create antibiotic resistance and can disrupt infection control. The long-term effects of triclosan are still being evaluated. A recent study conducted at the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham found that bacteria manipulated to be resistant to quinolone antibiotics was also resistant to triclosan—and that this effect may also happen in reverse, with triclosan exposure giving birth to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
Triclosan has also been shown to have health effects on and alter hormone production—particularly thyroid hormones. Triclosan is similar in chemical structure to triiodothyronine (also known as T3)—and extended exposure may cause disruption of the production and regulation of T3 by the thyroid.
There has also been speculation that exposure to triclosan may cause impaired immune function, acting as an endocrine disruptor, increasing risk of allergies, asthma and even eczema, and causing increased toxicity in the body. It is essential to be aware of these risks before choosing to use products containing triclosan for acne, or other skin concerns.
There is also concern for environmental health and the use of triclosan with concerns of it being washed down drains and eventually affecting water life. This has the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on high alert as triclosan has been detected in 58% of U.S. waterways. Scientific American has reported that triclosan has also been detected in human breast milk, blood and urine samples.
Common Triclosan Products
Because triclosan is used in over-the-counter consumer antiseptics, manufacturers are required to list triclosan on the ingredient label if it’s used in a specific product. This label, commonly referred to as an OTC Drug Facts Box, will be found on the package of a product that includes active ingredients, like triclosan, in its formula.
Common triclosan products to watch out for include:
- Toothpaste
- Body wash
- Hand soap
- Bar Soap
- Deodorant
- Detergent
- Personal care products
- Cosmetics
- Skincare
- Body sprays
- Tanning products
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Antiseptic Washes
- Hair care products
- Hand Sanitizers
Triclosan Ban From The FDA
As of December 2017, the FDA declared that triclosan is not safe or effective for use in over-the-counter antiseptic products. As a result, OTC products containing triclosan can no longer be marketed to consumers without first undergoing a pre-market review to determine safety and effectiveness.
However, it’s still important for you as a consumer to check your labels; because though the ban is in place, and products that contain triclosan must be reformulated, many containing the ingredient may still be on the market.
So, the message here is avoid triclosan. It is recommended that we wash our hands frequently in warm, soapy water, just as we've been told to do since the recent health concerns that arose when coronavirus appeared. The same is recommended for cleaning countertops, children's toys and to use triclosan-free soaps and hand sanitizers.
Protect yourself, as it’s important to take your safety into your own hands. Read through the ingredient lists of the products you use to ensure they don’t contain triclosan—or any other ingredients that could put your health at risk.
