What is triclosan and where is it commonly found. How safe is triclosan for human use. Are there any proven benefits of triclosan in consumer products. How can consumers identify products containing triclosan. What actions is the FDA taking to evaluate triclosan safety.

Understanding Triclosan: An Antibacterial Agent in Consumer Products

Triclosan is a widely used antibacterial and antifungal agent found in numerous consumer products. Its primary purpose is to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination, making it a common ingredient in many household items. However, the widespread use of triclosan has raised concerns about its safety and effectiveness.

Where is Triclosan Commonly Found?

Triclosan can be found in a variety of products, including:

• Antibacterial soaps and body washes
• Toothpastes
• Cosmetics
• Clothing
• Kitchenware
• Furniture
• Toys

It’s important to note that while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates triclosan in over-the-counter drug products and cosmetics, it does not have jurisdiction over its use in other consumer goods.

The Safety Concerns Surrounding Triclosan Use

The widespread use of triclosan has led to several safety concerns, prompting ongoing research and regulatory scrutiny.

Potential Health Risks

Are there any known health risks associated with triclosan exposure? Short-term animal studies have shown that high doses of triclosan may be associated with a decrease in thyroid hormone levels. However, the significance of these findings for human health remains unclear. More research is needed to fully understand the potential long-term effects of triclosan exposure on human health.

Antibiotic Resistance Concerns

Can triclosan contribute to antibiotic resistance? Some studies have suggested that exposure to triclosan might contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. This is a significant concern, as antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat. However, current information is insufficient to accurately assess the level of risk that triclosan poses in the development of antibiotic resistance.

Ongoing Studies

Several studies are currently underway to further investigate the safety of triclosan:

1. A study examining the potential for developing skin cancer after long-term exposure to triclosan in animals
2. Research on the potential breakdown of triclosan into other chemicals on human skin after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays

These studies are yet to be completed, and their results will provide valuable insights into the long-term safety of triclosan use.

Evaluating the Benefits of Triclosan in Consumer Products

While safety concerns persist, it’s crucial to examine the potential benefits of triclosan in various consumer products.

Proven Benefits in Oral Care

Has triclosan shown any proven benefits in consumer products? In 1997, the FDA reviewed extensive effectiveness data on triclosan in Colgate Total toothpaste. The evidence demonstrated that triclosan in this product was effective in preventing gingivitis, providing a clear benefit in oral care.

Limited Evidence in Other Products

For other products, particularly over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic products, the FDA has not received sufficient evidence that triclosan provides a benefit to human health. Specifically, there is no evidence that triclosan in OTC consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes offers any advantage over washing with regular soap and water.

Regulatory Actions and FDA Oversight on Triclosan

The FDA has taken several steps to evaluate and regulate the use of triclosan in consumer products.

Final Rule on OTC Health-care Antiseptic Products

In December 2017, the FDA issued a final rule regarding certain OTC health-care antiseptic products. This rule stipulates that companies cannot use triclosan or 23 other active ingredients in these products without premarket review due to insufficient data regarding their safety and effectiveness.

Ongoing Review of Hand Sanitizers

The FDA has recently issued a final rule on OTC hand sanitizers and continues to review the three active ingredients commonly used in these products, including triclosan.

Continued Monitoring and Literature Review

The FDA is committed to ongoing monitoring and review of scientific literature related to the safety and effectiveness of triclosan. This continuous evaluation ensures that regulatory decisions are based on the most up-to-date scientific evidence.

Identifying Triclosan in Consumer Products

For consumers concerned about triclosan exposure, it’s essential to know how to identify products containing this ingredient.

Reading Product Labels

How can consumers determine if a product contains triclosan? For OTC drugs, including antibacterial soaps, body washes, and fluoride toothpastes, triclosan should be listed as an ingredient in the Drug Facts box on the product label. In cosmetics, triclosan should be included in the ingredient list on the product label.

Common Products Containing Triclosan

While many manufacturers have begun reformulating their products without triclosan due to public pressure, some products may still contain this ingredient. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of products that have been known to contain triclosan:

• Soap: Certain liquid hand soaps and body washes
• Dental Care: Some toothpastes and mouthwashes
• Cosmetics: Various foundations, lip products, and skincare items
• Deodorants: Certain brands of deodorant

It’s important to note that product formulations may change without notice, so always check the current label for the most accurate information.

Alternatives to Triclosan-Containing Products

Given the ongoing safety concerns and limited proven benefits of triclosan in many consumer products, many individuals are seeking alternatives.

Regular Soap and Water

For general hand washing and body cleansing, regular soap and water are just as effective as antibacterial products containing triclosan. The mechanical action of washing and rinsing is sufficient to remove most harmful bacteria.

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be an effective alternative. These products typically do not contain triclosan and are effective against many types of bacteria and viruses.

Natural Antimicrobial Ingredients

Some consumers prefer products with natural antimicrobial ingredients, such as tea tree oil or certain essential oils. While these may have antimicrobial properties, it’s important to note that their effectiveness and safety profile may vary.

The Future of Triclosan in Consumer Products

As research continues and regulatory scrutiny increases, the future use of triclosan in consumer products remains uncertain.

Shifting Consumer Preferences

Increasing awareness of potential health and environmental concerns has led many consumers to seek out triclosan-free products. This shift in consumer preference is driving changes in product formulations across various industries.

Ongoing Research and Regulation

The FDA and other regulatory bodies worldwide continue to evaluate the safety and efficacy of triclosan. Future research findings may lead to further restrictions or changes in the use of triclosan in consumer products.

Innovation in Antimicrobial Alternatives

As concerns about triclosan persist, there is ongoing research and development into alternative antimicrobial agents that may provide similar benefits with improved safety profiles. These innovations may shape the future landscape of antibacterial consumer products.

In conclusion, while triclosan has been a widely used antibacterial agent in many consumer products, its safety and effectiveness are under increasing scrutiny. Consumers should be aware of the presence of triclosan in their products and consider the potential risks and benefits. As research continues and regulations evolve, the landscape of antimicrobial consumer products is likely to change, potentially leading to safer and more effective alternatives in the future.

5 Things to Know About Triclosan

Does the product contain triclosan? On over-the-counter drug products, read the ingredients on the Drug Facts label. On cosmetics, read the list of ingredients.

What Is Triclosan?

Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products intended to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It is added to some antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics—products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It also can be found in clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys—products not regulated by the FDA.

How Safe Is Triclosan?

Some short-term animal studies have shown that exposure to high doses of triclosan is associated with a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones. But we don’t know the significance of those findings to human health. Other studies have raised the possibility that exposure to triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. At this time, we don’t have enough information available to assess the level of risk that triclosan poses for the development of antibiotic resistance.

There are other ongoing studies that involve the safety of triclosan. One is a study investigating the potential of developing skin cancer after a long-term exposure to triclosan in animals. Another is a study on the potential breakdown of triclosan to other chemicals on human skin after exposure to triclosan to ultraviolet (UV) rays. At this time, neither study has been completed.

Are There Benefits of Triclosan?

For some consumer products, there is evidence that triclosan provides a benefit. In 1997, FDA reviewed extensive effectiveness data on triclosan in Colgate Total toothpaste. The evidence showed that triclosan in that product was effective in preventing gingivitis.

For other products, such as over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic products, FDA has not received evidence that triclosan provides a benefit to human health. At this time, FDA doesn’t have evidence that triclosan in OTC consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.

In December 2017, the FDA issued a final rule regarding certain OTC health-care antiseptic products. As a result, companies will not be able to use triclosan or 23 other active ingredients in these products without premarket review due to insufficient data regarding their safety and effectiveness. The FDA recently issued a final rule on OTC hand sanitizers and will continue to review the three active ingredients commonly used in hand sanitizers.

How Can I Tell if There Is Triclosan in a Product?

Antibacterial soaps and body washes, and fluoride toothpastes are considered OTC drugs. If an OTC drug contains triclosan, it should be listed as an ingredient on the label, in the Drug Facts box. If a cosmetic contains triclosan, it should be included in the ingredient list on the product label.

What Is FDA Doing to Evaluate the Safety of Triclosan?

FDA has been reviewing safety and effectiveness data on triclosan in the agency’s OTC antiseptic rulemakings. FDA will also continue to monitor and follow the scientific literature available for the safety and effectiveness of triclosan.

For more information on consumer antiseptic washes, see the final rule.

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Products Containing Triclosan — Beyond Pesticides

DISCLAIMER: Due to public pressure, many major manufacturers have quietly begun reformulating their products without triclosan. Product formulations may change without notice. Below is a small sampling of products formulated with, or used to be formulated with triclosan and is not to be considered a comprehensive list. Remember to always refer to product labels to determine whether triclosan is contained in your product. Some retail outlets may still carry older formulations. Look out for labels that state: “antimicrobial protection.” Some antibacterial soaps may use triclosan’s cousin, triclocarban, in place of triclosan.

Soap: Dial® Liquid handsoap and bodywash; Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap; Clearasil® Daily Face Wash; Dermalogica® Skin Purifying Wipes; DermaKleen™ Antibacterial Lotion Soap; CVS Antibacterial Soap, Ajax Antibacterial Dishsoap, Kimcare Antibacterial Clear Soap, Bath and Body Works Antibacterial Hand Soaps, Gels and Foaming Sanitizers.

Dental Care: Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Daily Mouthwash; Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush

Cosmetics: Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation; Mavala Lip Base; Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ; Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb, Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss, Babor Volume Mascara, Phytomer Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk, Phytomer Hydracontinue Instant Moisture Cream, Bath and Body Works Antibacterial Moisturizing Lotions.

Deodorant: Arm and Hammer® Essentials Natural Deodorant; Queen Helene® Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant; DeCleor Deodorant Stick; Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes.

First Aid: SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic; Healwell Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint; Solarcaine® First Aid Medicated Spray; Nexcare™ First Aid, Skin Crack Care; : Universal Cervical Collar with Microban.

Kitchenware: Farberware® Microban Cutting Boards; Franklin Machine Products FMP Ice Cream Scoop SZ 20 Microban; Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer; Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban; Compact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads.

Other Personal Care Products: Murad Acne Complex® Kit, ®; Diabet-x™ Cream; Scunci Microban Comb, Sportslick Pocket Slick.

Clothes: Biofresh® socks, undergarments, tops and bottoms.

Office and School Products: Ticonderoga® Pencils with Microban Protection, Avery® Touchgaurd View Binders, C-line® products, Clauss® cutting instruments, Costco® products, Sharp® printing calculators. Westcott® scissors

Other: Bionare® Cool Mist Humidifier; Deciguard AB® Antimicrobial Ear Plugs; Bauer® Re-Akt hockey helmet and 7500 hockey helment; Miller Paint Acro Pure Interior Paint; Holmes Foot Buddy™ HMh220U Antimicrobial Foot Buddy Foot Warmer, Blue Mountain Wall Coverings, California Paints®, Davis Paint® Perfection, Hirschfield’s Paint®,O’Leary Paint®, EHC AMRail Escalator Handrails, Dupont™ Air Filters, Winix Dehumidifiers, J Cloth® towels, select Quickie cleaning products, Kimberly Clark® WYPALL X80 Towels, Canopy® kitchen towels, ALUF Plastics®, BioEars earplugs, Petmate® LeBistro feeders and waterers, Infantino cart covers and baby carriers, Oreck XL®, Bissell Healthy Home Vacuum™, NuTone® Central Vacuum systems, Rival® Seal-A-Meal® Vacuum Food Sealer, CleenFreek SportsHygiene Yoga Mat, Resilite Sports Products, Rubbermaid® Coolers, Stufitts sports gear, Venture Products® fitness mats, Custom Building Products, DAP®Kwik Seal Plus®, Laticrete, Niasa Biquichamp® mortar grout and sealant, ProAdvanced Products.

For more information on products containing Microban, the antibacterial product containing triclosan go to their webpage.

JMS Triclosept – Liquid hand sanitizer with triclosan

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• JMS Triclosept – Liquid hand sanitizer with triclosan

	Conforms to WHO recommendations. Kills the full spectrum of bacteria, viruses and fungi in 30 seconds
	Contains up to 70% isopropyl alcohol
	HAND SAFE. Contains tea tree oil, coconut oil and glycerin to nourish the skin and protect it from excessive drying
	Does not require rinsing, does not leave a sticky feeling. Suitable for daily use
	Wholesale prices and flexible delivery terms
	Contract manufacturing

Purpose

Neutral concentrated disinfectant (antiseptic) based on isopropyl alcohol and triclosan. Contains glycerin, coconut oil and tea tree oil to nourish hand skin and protect it from drying out.

Used for washing and antiseptic treatment of the skin of the hands of working personnel, for filling sanitary checkpoints, for processing sanitary rugs, soft toys, upholstered and hard furniture, floors and equipment. The product kills the entire spectrum of microbes and bacteria, eliminates strong odors.

Recommended for use in medical, children’s institutions, food industry (dairy, meat, fish processing, etc. ), public catering and at home.

Features

How to use

Ready to use. In medical institutions, it is used for washing and antibacterial treatment of hands, as well as disinfection of various surfaces and objects. It is refilled into dispensers, sanitary checkpoints, applied to disinfection barrier mats.

The product is concentrated, when used outside of medicine, if desired, it can be diluted with water at the rate of 1 part of the product to 3 parts of water.

For hand sanitizer, apply to clean hands, spread evenly and rub thoroughly for 2-3 minutes, including between fingers. If desired, you can rinse with water, but the product is safe for the skin of the hands.

When disinfecting surfaces and objects with a sprayer, evenly apply a thin layer of the agent over the object to be treated (slippers, upholstered and hard furniture, floors, equipment, etc.), if desired, the agent can be washed off with water after 5-10 minutes.

Remains effective in cold water. Does not dry out hands, suitable for daily use.

Precautions

Do not ingest! Avoid contact with eyes! Keep away from children! Use only as directed! Do not mix with other products! May ignite, keep away from fire and excessive heat!

In case of contact with eyes and mucous membranes, rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if necessary.

TU9144-001-98205538-2006 with amendment 1

Storage

-5°C to +40°C in dry warehouses, out of direct sunlight.

Warranty period of storage – 36 months in a closed original container. After defrosting, it retains its properties. When stratified, the solution must be mixed before use. After the expiration date, dispose of as household waste.

Composition

Mild surfactant composition (c-surfactant 2-10%, n-surfactant <5%), isopropyl alcohol 50-70%, triclosan, tea tree oil, glycerin, coconut oil, antibacterial complex, fragrance, water.

ZhMS “Triclobact”.

Liquid hand soap with triclosan 500ml (with dispenser)

• Description

Purpose:

Neutral foam antibacterial toilet soap with a disinfectant effect. Contains mild surfactants, triclosan, allantoin glycerin, coconut oil, special antiseptic and moisturizing additives that moisturize and protect the skin of the hands from drying out, kill bacteria, give hands a clean and fresh scent. Suitable for daily washing of hands contaminated with oil and fat and protein food residues, removes combined dirt, eliminates pungent odors.

Recommended for use in medical, children’s institutions, food industry (dairy, meat, fish processing, etc.), public catering and at home.

Features:

Appearance	Colored gel liquid
Density, kg/m3(20°С)	900-1150
pH -100% solution (20°C)	4. 5-7.5
pH -1% solution (20°C) in distilled water	3.5-6.0
Surfactants in %, not less than	12

Application:

Attention! Shake well before use!

Used for washing and antibacterial treatment of hands in finished form, refilled into dispensers. Apply a small amount of soap to wet hands, spread evenly until foam forms. Wash off with warm water.

The agent removes any protein, fat and combined contamination, eliminates strong odors, kills bacteria and fungi. Does not dry hands, effective in cold water, suitable for daily use.

Precautions:

Do not ingest! Use only as directed! Do not mix with other products! Avoid contact with eyes! Keep away from children! At hit of means on a mucous membrane immediately to wash out water. Seek medical attention if necessary.

Storage:

From -5° C to +40° C in dry warehouses, protected from direct sunlight.