Triclosan

What is triclosan and what does it do?

Triclosan is a chlorine-containing synthetic antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of bacteria and some fungi. It was first used in hospitals for surgical hand scrubbing, and later spread to consumer products labelled “antibacterial”.

In cosmetics it is used both as a preservative and as an active germ-killing agent. It has also been added to some textiles, plastics and kitchenware to give them antibacterial properties.

Which products contain it?

• Antibacterial liquid soaps and shower gels
• Some toothpastes (no longer permitted in mouthwashes in the EU)
• Deodorants and some cosmetics such as face powder
• Antibacterial washing-up liquids and surface cleaners (increasingly rare)

Is it harmful? The scientific assessment

Concerns about triclosan fall under several headings. Animal studies have found that it can affect the hormone system, especially thyroid hormone; its significance in humans is not fully clear. There is also concern that it may contribute to bacteria developing resistance to triclosan and to some antibiotics. Triclosan released into the environment with wastewater is toxic to aquatic organisms and can turn into persistent compounds in the environment.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned triclosan in consumer antiseptic hand and body soaps after manufacturers failed to prove that antibacterial soaps containing triclosan are more effective than ordinary soap and water and safe in the long term. In the EU, triclosan has not been approved as a biocide in human hygiene products; in cosmetics it may be used only in certain categories, such as toothpaste, hand soap, shower gel, deodorant, face powder and nail-cleaning products, at a maximum of 0.3%; its use in mouthwashes is no longer permitted, and toothpastes containing triclosan should not be used by children under 3. Turkish legislation is aligned with the EU.

Although there is clinical data showing that triclosan in toothpaste helps reduce gum inflammation and plaque, this use has also become increasingly rare. The high risk range in the app reflects the accumulation of concerns and the fact that it is not needed in everyday use.

Who should be careful?

• Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children: Because of the uncertainty about the hormone system, they may choose triclosan-free products; they can consult a doctor with any questions.
• People with thyroid disease: They may consider triclosan-free options to avoid unnecessary exposure.
• People who care about environmental impact: It is useful to know that most household products labelled antibacterial are not needed for everyday use.

What to do when you see it on a label

For everyday hand and body washing, ordinary soap and water are enough; there is no need for an antibacterial agent. If you see a product containing triclosan, choosing a triclosan-free alternative is an easy and sensible choice. If your toothpaste contains triclosan and your dentist has not specifically recommended it, a standard fluoride toothpaste will be enough. Similar concerns are also raised about other antibacterial agents such as benzalkonium chloride when they are used unnecessarily.