Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial preservative. The EU restricts it to certain product types and maximum amounts. The EU safety committee flagged hormone-like signals and questions about resistance.
What it is
It was common in toothpastes, hand soaps and deodorants. On labels it appears as triclosan.
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Skin (cosmetics) |
|---|---|
| Adult | High |
| Child | High |
| Infant | High |
| Dog | No concern found |
| Cat | No concern found |
The app flags skin use. This follows the SCCS opinion of 2022 on hormone-like signals, and the debate on bacterial resistance and environmental load.
Basis of the ratings: ban, limit or official classification.
Possible concerns: Endocrine-disrupting, Harmful to the environment.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Adult (skin), Child (skin), Infant (skin): SCCS/1643/22: endocrine signals + resistance/ecotox debate; restricted (no kids oral care for triclosan).
Rules and use
Restricted by Annex V of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 to listed product types and maximum concentrations.
Read the guide: How to read an ingredient label
Sources
- SCCS: opinion on butylparaben, children's exposure
- SCCS 2021: opinion on octocrylene (SCCS/1627/21)
- SCCS 2021: opinion on homosalate (SCCS/1622/20)
- NCBI Bookshelf: NBK587278
Related ingredients
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.