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Ingredient dossier · No. 005

Triclosan

Also: 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol · Microban · Irgasan DP300 · TCS


Avoidan endocrine and thyroid disruptor associated with impaired fecundity; FDA banned it from consumer soaps in 2016.


01 · Hormonal impact

Fertility & hormonal impact

Evidence
ModerateAnimal studies with mechanistic evidence

Triclosan is an antimicrobial that disrupts endocrine signaling, most notably thyroid-hormone metabolism (it inhibits the sulfotransferase enzymes that regulate T3/T4). Normal thyroid function matters for regular ovulation and early pregnancy, so this is directly relevant to conception. Epidemiological work links higher urinary triclosan in women to impaired fecundity — a longer time-to-pregnancy — and laboratory and animal studies report estrogen-disrupting effects on the endometrium and uterus that could affect the receptivity needed for implantation. FDA banned triclosan from consumer antiseptic washes in 2016, citing endocrine and antimicrobial-resistance concerns.


02 · Where it appears

Found in.

01Legacy antibacterial hand and body washes
02Some toothpastes (historically)
03Some deodorants
04Some facial cleansers
05Older 'antibacterial' personal-care products

03 · The regulators

Two jurisdictions, two different verdicts.

European Union

Permitted only in toothpaste at maximum 0.3% (Regulation EC 1223/2009, Annex V, entry 25). Banned from all other cosmetic categories.

United States · FDA

Banned in consumer antiseptic wash products and health care antiseptic rubs (2016 final rule, 21 CFR 310). Still permitted in toothpaste pending further data.


04 · Sources

The receipts.

  1. [01]
    FDA — Antibacterial soaps final rule overview
    www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/antibacterial-soap-you-can-skip-it-use-plain-soap-and-water
  2. [02]
  3. [03]

05 · Related dossiers
01ParabensD · 3202Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)D · 15
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