Triclosan in Skincare: What It Is, Why It’s Used, and Why It’s Controversial
By:
bryan choong
On
16/11/2024Reading time:
0 min
Summary:
Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent that has been widely used in skincare, personal care products, and household items for decades. Known for its effectiveness in killing bacteria, triclosan has become a common ingredient in soaps, body washes, toothpaste, and other personal care products. However, concerns about its safety and environmental impact have made it a controversial ingredient, with some regulatory bodies limiting its use. This article explores what triclosan is, why it’s used, the pros and cons, and the controversies surrounding it.
What is Triclosan?
Triclosan is a synthetic compound that was developed in the 1960s as an antimicrobial agent. Chemically, it is a chlorinated aromatic compound with the ability to kill or inhibit bacterial growth (Singer et al., 2002). Due to its potent antibacterial properties, triclosan was initially used in medical settings to sterilize surgical instruments and hospital facilities. Over time, its use expanded to everyday products, from hand soaps and toothpaste to deodorants and cosmetics.
Why is Triclosan Used in Skincare?
Triclosan’s primary function in skincare and personal care products is to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination, making it an effective preservative and antimicrobial agent. Here are the main reasons why triclosan is used:
Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Triclosan is highly effective against bacteria and fungi, making it a popular choice in products intended to reduce germs, such as hand soaps and body washes (Jones et al., 2000).
Preservative: Triclosan can also act as a preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold.
Oral Hygiene: In toothpaste, triclosan has been used to help reduce plaque and gingivitis, as well as to prevent bacterial buildup in the mouth.
The Pros and Cons of Triclosan in Skincare
Pros:
Effective Antibacterial Agent: Triclosan is highly effective at killing bacteria and reducing the risk of bacterial contamination, which is particularly useful in products like hand soaps and toothpaste.
Improves Oral Health: Studies have shown that triclosan in toothpaste can reduce plaque and gingivitis, leading to improved oral hygiene (Gunsolley, 2006).
Extends Product Shelf Life: As a preservative, triclosan helps to protect products from bacterial growth, enhancing their stability and safety.
Cons:
Skin Irritation and Sensitization: Triclosan can cause skin irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin, which may lead to redness, dryness, or allergic reactions (Bhargava & Leonard, 1996).
Antibiotic Resistance: One of the most serious concerns about triclosan is its potential to contribute to antibiotic resistance. Overuse of triclosan can lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to certain antibiotics, posing a public health risk (Levy, 2001).
Hormonal Disruption: Some studies suggest that triclosan may act as an endocrine disruptor, interfering with hormone function and potentially impacting reproductive health (Gee et al., 2008).
Environmental Impact: Triclosan is not easily biodegradable, and it has been detected in water sources, soil, and marine life. Once it enters the environment, it can accumulate, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and potentially harming wildlife (Chalew & Halden, 2009).
Why is Triclosan Controversial?
Concerns About Endocrine Disruption: Studies have shown that triclosan can mimic or interfere with hormone function, particularly thyroid hormones. Researchers have found that triclosan can disrupt the endocrine system, potentially affecting development and reproduction (Gee et al., 2008).
Antibiotic Resistance: Research suggests that prolonged exposure to triclosan can cause bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics, which could make it harder to treat infections (Levy, 2001).
Environmental Persistence: Triclosan does not easily degrade in the environment. Once in the environment, triclosan can harm aquatic life, and may accumulate in the food chain, affecting both wildlife and potentially humans (Chalew & Halden, 2009).
Regulatory Actions and Bans: Due to these concerns, several regulatory bodies have restricted or banned triclosan in personal care products. In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of triclosan in over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial soaps, citing insufficient data on its safety and effectiveness over regular soap and water (FDA, 2016).
Are There Alternatives to Triclosan?
Given the controversies surrounding triclosan, many manufacturers have shifted to alternative ingredients with antimicrobial properties that are considered safer and more environmentally friendly. Common alternatives include:
Benzalkonium Chloride: An antimicrobial agent that is used as an alternative preservative in many products.
Alcohol: Effective at killing germs, alcohol-based hand sanitizers offer a safe and efficient alternative to triclosan.
Tea Tree Oil: A natural ingredient with antibacterial properties, often used in skincare for acne and other bacterial concerns.
Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as lavender and eucalyptus, have antimicrobial properties and are used as natural alternatives in some products.
Conclusion: Should You Avoid Triclosan?
Triclosan has been an effective antibacterial agent in personal care products for decades, but concerns about its safety, contribution to antibiotic resistance, and environmental impact have led to restrictions and a shift towards triclosan-free products. For individuals concerned about hormonal disruption or environmental health, opting for triclosan-free products may be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision to use or avoid triclosan depends on personal values and awareness of the potential risks.
As research continues, many consumers are choosing products that prioritize safety and environmental sustainability, supporting brands that avoid potentially controversial ingredients like triclosan.
References
Bhargava, H. N., & Leonard, P. A. (1996). Triclosan: Applications and safety. American Journal of Infection Control, 24(3), 209-218.
Chalew, T. E., & Halden, R. U. (2009). Environmental exposure of aquatic and terrestrial biota to triclosan and triclocarban. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 45(1), 4-13.
FDA. (2016). FDA issues final rule on safety and effectiveness of antibacterial soaps. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from FDA website
Gee, R. H., Charles, A., Taylor, N., & Darbre, P. D. (2008). Oestrogenic and androgenic activity of triclosan in breast cancer cells. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 28(1), 78-91.
Gunsolley, J. C. (2006). A meta-analysis of six-month studies of antiplaque and antigingivitis agents. Journal of the American Dental Association, 137(12), 1649-1657.
Jones, R. D., Jampani, H. B., Newman, J. L., & Lee, A. S. (2000). Triclosan: A review of effectiveness and safety in health care settings. American Journal of Infection Control, 28(2), 184-196.
Levy, S. B. (2001). Antibacterial household products: Cause for concern. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 7(3 Suppl), 512-515.
Singer, H., Müller, S., Tixier, C., & Pillonel, L. (2002). Triclosan: Occurrence and fate of a widely used biocide in the aquatic environment. Environmental Science & Technology, 36(23), 4998-5004.
Subscribe form
This is where you want visitors to leave their email addresses so you can send them marketing info and targeted deals. To convince people to subscribe to your newsletter, try offering them something valuable that aligns with your business. This could be a special offer or early access to new products.