Triclosan.
Also known as: triclosan, 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, Irgasan, Microban
An antibacterial and antifungal agent once widely used in soaps, toothpastes, and cosmetics. Banned by the FDA from hand soaps in 2016 but still allowed in some other products. Linked to endocrine disruption and antibiotic resistance.
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with Triclosan.
Low systemic exposure from a single use, but still contributes to resistance.
Daily exposure significantly elevates urinary triclosan levels and endocrine disruption risk.
High risk. Triclosan accumulates in the body and has been detected in human breast milk and blood.
What the research says.
Endocrine disruptor that affects thyroid hormone signaling.
Endocrinology, 2006 — triclosan thyroid disruption study
Contributes to antibiotic resistance by promoting resistant bacterial strains.
Nature, 2016 — antimicrobial resistance mechanisms
Linked to liver toxicity and liver tumor promotion in animal studies.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2014 — triclosan liver effects in mice
Global status.
How triclosan is regulated in cosmetics around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Banned in OTC antiseptic hand washes (2016); still allowed in toothpaste and other cosmetics.
Details
Banned in most cosmetics; permitted only in toothpaste, hand soap, body soap at max 0.3%.
Details
Mirrors EU; limited to specific product types at max 0.3%.
Details
Max 0.03% in mouthwash and 0.3% in other cosmetics.
Details
Permitted as preservative at max 0.1%.
Details
Permitted at max 0.3% in select categories.
Details
Permitted with limits; under ongoing review.
Details
Permitted at max 0.3% per Safety Technical Standards.
Details
Permitted at max 0.3% per ANVISA.
Details
Permitted with limits under BIS standards.
Details
Permitted at max 0.3% in select types, harmonized with EU.
The reason brands include it.
Provides antibacterial and antifungal properties. Historically marketed as an added hygiene benefit in personal care products.
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products in our database
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brands use it
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product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose triclosan because it’s cheap and effective, but safer options like tea tree oil, colloidal silver, neem extract deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Triclosan in product types.
Click a category to see every product containing triclosan.
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What to use instead.
What Numbrrrz uses instead
Numbrrrz products contain no triclosan or synthetic antibacterials. Natural preservation is always preferred.