Ingredient Spotlight: Triclosan

(5 ½ minute read)

In our never-ending quest for cleanliness, personal care products have become an integral part of our daily routine. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitiser – all of these products and others help us to stay fresh and hygienic. But have you ever looked closely at what’s in these products to make them so effective?

In this article, we will attempt to delve into the world of triclosan and examine its function in personal care products. We will explore the benefits and the potential risks associated with the use of triclosan, as well as the regulations implemented to ensure its safety. We hope this article will provide you with valuable insights into the role of triclosan.

What is Triclosan

Triclosan - chemical name 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol - is an ingredient found in many personal care products and it has garnered a lot of attention in recent years. Used as an antimicrobial agent, triclosan has been added to a wide range of personal care products to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. But what exactly is triclosan and what role does it play in these products?

Triclosan chemical structure

History and development of triclosan

Let’s start with the history of Triclosan. Triclosan was first developed in the 1960’s and introduced into the market as an antibacterial agent in the 1970’s, where it was initially used in healthcare settings, e.g. as a hospital scrub. Following on from this, it quickly found its way into everyday consumer products due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria and preventing the spread of infections.

In the years since its development, triclosan has become a common ingredient in various personal care products. From soap to toothpaste, shampoo to deodorant, triclosan's widespread use can be attributed to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.

Despite its benefits, however, the use of triclosan has not been without controversy and, in recent years, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on both human health and the environment. This has resulted in calls for further research and regulation surrounding the use of triclosan in personal care products.

Uses of triclosan in personal care products

Triclosan is primarily used in personal care products as an antimicrobial agent. Its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi makes it an attractive ingredient for manufacturers looking to enhance the effectiveness of their products.

In soaps and body washes, triclosan helps to kill bacteria, which helps to prevent the spread of infections and reduce the risk of illness. In toothpaste, triclosan targets the bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay, thereby promoting oral health.

Triclosan is also used in deodorants and antiperspirants to control odour-causing bacteria. By inhibiting the growth of these bacteria, triclosan helps to keep us feeling and smelling fresh throughout the day.

Interestingly, triclosan can also be found in certain fabrics, such as those used for socks and underwear, to prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria in those garments. This helps to keep our clothes smelling clean and fresh for longer periods.

Controversies surrounding triclosan

Despite its widespread use, triclosan has faced significant scrutiny and controversy in recent years. One of the main concerns is the potential for triclosan to contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to triclosan can lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making infections more difficult to treat.

Another controversy surrounding triclosan is its potential to disrupt the endocrine system. ¹ Triclosan has been found to have oestrogenic effects, which means it can mimic the hormone oestrogen in the body.

Environmental concerns have also been raised regarding triclosan. When we use products containing triclosan and then rinse them off, the triclosan enters the wastewater system and eventually makes its way into rivers, lakes and oceans. Up to 96% of triclosan in consumer products is rinsed down the drain! ² This raises concerns surrounding its harmful effects on aquatic life, ecosystems and potentially leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment.

Health and environmental concerns related to triclosan

The potential health and environmental concerns associated with triclosan have prompted further research and scrutiny. Studies have shown that triclosan can accumulate in the body over time with detectable levels of the chemical found in urine, blood and breast milk samples.

The exact health effects of triclosan are still being studied, but some research has linked triclosan exposure to hormone disruption, impaired muscle function and a weakened immune response. Of course, it is important to note that most of these studies have been conducted on animals and, therefore, more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks to human health.

From an environmental perspective, triclosan has been found to persist in the environment and can have harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems. It can accumulate in the tissues of fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to disruptions in their reproductive systems and overall health. Not only is triclosan highly toxic to aquatic animals, but it is particularly toxic to algae which are important organisms, being the first step producers in the ecosystem. ³

Triclosan has a score of 7-8 (depending on usage) on the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, which places it in the “high risk” category.

Alternatives to triclosan in personal care products

As the concerns surrounding triclosan continue to grow, manufacturers are exploring alternative ingredients to replace triclosan in their personal care products, for example, natural antimicrobials. Natural antimicrobials are derived from natural sources and have been shown to have antimicrobial properties without the potential risks associated with triclosan. This makes them a more sustainable and potentially safer option for consumers. Examples include ingredients like tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract and silver nanoparticles.

In addition, there have also been advancements in technology that have allowed for the development of new antimicrobial materials that can be incorporated into personal care products.

How to identify triclosan in ingredient lists

If you're concerned about the presence of triclosan in your personal care products, it's important to read the labels. Triclosan may be listed simply as triclosan or, according to the EWG, by one of the following synonyms:

• 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxy diphenyl ether
• 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)- phenol
• 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol
• phenol, 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-
• phenol, 5chloro2(2,4dichlorophenoxy)

Ttriclosan may also be listed under its trade names - Microban or Irgasan.

The future of triclosan in personal care products

In September 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned 19 antimicrobial ingredients – including triclosan – from over-the-counter consumer antiseptic wash products. This was based on insufficient evidence demonstrating their safety for long-term daily use and that they reduce the spread of illness and infection.⁴ The European Union also has various bans and restrictions in place regarding the use of triclosan in items like soap, toothpaste and mouthwash.

Triclosan is currently allowed in soaps in Australia but the concerns surrounding it and overseas bans means that it is likely that its use in personal care products in Australia will continue to decline.

The future of personal care products may involve a shift towards natural antimicrobials and innovative technologies that can provide the same level of protection without the potential risks associated with triclosan. Increased consumer awareness of this ingredient and the demand for safer alternatives are driving manufacturers to seek out ingredients that are more sustainable and effective.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that triclosan has played a significant role in personal care products for decades, providing the antimicrobial properties that help keep us clean and fresh. However, emerging concerns about its potential impact on human health and the environment have sparked a re-evaluation of its use.

Regulatory actions and bans in certain countries have been implemented to restrict the use of triclosan and manufacturers are exploring alternatives to provide safer and more sustainable options for consumers. As we move forward, it is crucial to prioritise the safety and well-being of individuals and the environment when formulating personal care products.

Reference:

¹ my.clevelandclinic.org - Cleveland Clinic

² pubmed.ncbi.nlm.gov - National Library of Medicine

³ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.gov – National Library of Medicine

⁴ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.gov – National Library of Medicine

Disclaimer: Naturally Safe Cosmetics and the author are not health professionals. Any information or advice in this article is of a general nature only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We encourage you to undertake your own research and, if you're concerned about the effects of triclosan on your health, please seek professional advice from your healthcare practitioner.