Triclosan
Broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. The EU banned it in leave-on cosmetics and keeps a strict 0.3% cap in other categories.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Raises endocrine disruption and antibiotic resistance concerns. FDA banned it in hand soaps in 2016, and the EU tightened limits across most categories.
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- High
- Pregnancy
- Avoid
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that was ubiquitous in antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, deodorants and acne cosmetics until the 2010s. From 2014-2016, US and EU regulators sharply restricted its use because of long-term safety concerns. Mechanism. Inhibits enoyl-ACP reductase in bacterial membranes, disrupting fatty acid synthesis. Active against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and against yeasts. Regulatory status. EU Regulation 1223/2009 permits triclosan only in toothpaste, hand and body washes, deodorants (not sprays) and foot powder – in all cases up to 0.3%. Banned in leave-on cosmetics. In 2016 the US FDA banned it from antibacterial soap and in 2017 from healthcare antiseptics. Safety concerns. Meta-analyses and reviews (Halden 2014, Weatherly 2017) describe endocrine effects in animal models (thyroid hormone disruption, oestrogenic potential), accumulation in human breast milk and urine, and selection of resistant bacteria. CIR found it safe up to 0.3% in 2010, but EU and FDA went stricter on environmental accumulation and microbial resistance grounds. Where it still appears. Colgate Total toothpaste (FDA-approved via NDA as a drug, not cosmetic), some deodorants, hospital antiseptics (Septofresh). In ordinary EU leave-on cosmetics it has not been used since 2014. Pregnancy and lactation – avoid. Endocrine effects in animals and passage into breast milk make triclosan undesirable in pregnancy. WHO and AAP advise dropping triclosan-containing antibacterial soap in favour of plain soap and water. Alternatives. Benzalkonium chloride, zinc pyrithione (rinse-off), salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide for acne. For hand hygiene – plain soap or 70% ethanol.
Frequently asked questions
Is Triclosan safe during pregnancy?
Triclosan is not recommended during pregnancy. Consider an alternative from the same category.
What skin types is Triclosan for?
Use with caution in: sensitive.
Can Triclosan irritate the skin?
Triclosan has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Can Triclosan cause an allergic reaction?
Triclosan has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
What is Triclosan and what does it do in cosmetics?
Broad-spectrum antibacterial agent.
What's the INCI name for Triclosan?
The INCI name is Triclosan.
See Triclosan in a product composition right on the store page
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