what is triclosan

Triclosan is a chemical ingredient added to many different products, including antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics, with the aim of reducing or preventing bacterial contamination. It has antibacterial properties that prevent or stop bacterial growth and contamination. Triclosan is also used in clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys, among other products, to keep them resistant to bacterial growth. However, triclosan is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can harm the endocrine system, leading to issues with proper hormone function. Exposure to high amounts of triclosan may cause a decrease in certain thyroid hormones. The FDA has banned triclosan-containing consumer products such as antibacterial soaps, stating that these products haven’t proven to be any more effective than plain soap and water. The FDA also issued a final rule stating that over-the-counter consumer antiseptic wash products containing certain active ingredients, including triclosan, will no longer be permitted to be marketed.