Ingredient

Triclocarban

Triclocarban is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is endocrine disruptor and fetal development.

By Team TruvaLast checked

Verdict by profile

Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.

Strongest verdict
Not Recommended
Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
Profiles flagged
6 of 6
Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
Irritancy
2 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancyAVOID

Triclocarban and pregnancy

Not Recommended

Triclocarban is an antimicrobial compound that was commonly used in antibacterial soaps and deodorants. It works by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, but research has shown it also interferes with human hormone systems. According to the FDA, triclocarban is a known endocrine disruptor that can affect thyroid function and sex hormones. Animal studies have demonstrated reproductive and developmental toxicity, including altered hormone levels in offspring. The compound readily absorbs through skin and has been detected in human urine, blood, and breast milk, indicating systemic exposure. During pregnancy, when hormonal balance is critical for fetal development, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals poses significant risks. The FDA banned triclocarban from consumer antiseptic products in 2016 specifically due to safety concerns about hormonal disruption and insufficient evidence of benefits over regular soap. ACOG recommends pregnant women avoid all products containing triclocarban. Most cosmetic manufacturers have reformulated products to remove this ingredient following the FDA ban.

BreastfeedingAVOID

Triclocarban and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

Triclocarban is a fat-soluble antimicrobial agent that was used in antibacterial personal care products. Research shows it readily accumulates in fatty tissues and has been consistently detected in human breast milk samples. Studies have found triclocarban in breast milk, indicating direct transfer to breastfed infants. According to research published in environmental health journals, the compound's endocrine-disrupting properties are particularly concerning for infants, whose hormone systems are still developing. The FDA notes that triclocarban can interfere with thyroid hormones and sex hormones, which are critical for infant growth and development. Additionally, repeated exposure through breastfeeding could lead to bioaccumulation in the infant's body. The FDA's 2016 ban on triclocarban in consumer products was based partly on concerns about exposure during vulnerable life stages, including infancy. The AAD and pediatric organizations recommend breastfeeding mothers avoid all products containing this ingredient. Given that it has been largely removed from the market, finding triclocarban-free alternatives is now straightforward.

PostpartumAVOID

Triclocarban and postpartum

Not Recommended

Triclocarban is an antimicrobial ingredient that the FDA banned from consumer antiseptic products in 2016 due to safety concerns. It functions as an endocrine disruptor, interfering with hormone regulation even when not pregnant or breastfeeding. According to the FDA, triclocarban affects thyroid function and sex hormones, which are particularly important during the postpartum recovery period when the body is re-establishing hormonal balance after pregnancy. The compound bioaccumulates in body tissues and has been associated with altered hormone levels in multiple studies. For postpartum women recovering from childbirth and experiencing hormonal shifts, avoiding endocrine disruptors supports the body's natural healing process.

Trying to ConceiveAVOID

Triclocarban and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

Triclocarban is an antimicrobial compound that the FDA banned from consumer products in 2016 due to its endocrine-disrupting properties. For women trying to conceive, hormonal balance is essential for ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. According to research on endocrine disruptors, triclocarban interferes with reproductive hormones and has been associated with altered menstrual cycles and reproductive function in animal studies. The compound bioaccumulates in body tissues, meaning exposure before conception could result in elevated levels during early pregnancy when fetal development is most vulnerable. The FDA notes that triclocarban's effects on thyroid and sex hormones could potentially impact fertility and early pregnancy outcomes, though human fertility studies are limited.

PCOSAVOID

Triclocarban and PCOS

Not Recommended

Triclocarban is an antimicrobial agent banned by the FDA in 2016 due to its effects on the endocrine system. For women with PCOS, who already experience hormonal imbalance, exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals is particularly problematic. Research shows triclocarban acts as an androgen amplifier, enhancing the effects of testosterone and other androgens. According to studies in environmental health, the compound increases androgen receptor activation, which could worsen PCOS symptoms like excess hair growth, acne, and irregular periods. Women with PCOS typically have elevated androgen levels, and triclocarban's androgen-amplifying properties could exacerbate the hormonal imbalance that defines this condition. The FDA's ban on triclocarban was partly motivated by concerns about endocrine disruption. Dermatologists and endocrinologists treating PCOS recommend avoiding all endocrine-disrupting chemicals, as they can interfere with both natural hormone balance and hormonal treatments used to manage PCOS.

General UseAVOID

Triclocarban and general use

Not Recommended

Triclocarban is an antimicrobial agent that was widely used in antibacterial soaps, deodorants, and personal care products until the FDA banned it from consumer antiseptic wash products in 2016. It works by killing bacteria but has significant environmental and health concerns. The FDA banned triclocarban because it acts as an endocrine disruptor, interfering with hormone function by amplifying androgen activity and disrupting thyroid hormones. Studies show the compound readily absorbs through skin, bioaccumulates in body tissues, and persists in the environment. Research has also raised concerns about potential carcinogenic effects and contributions to antibiotic resistance. The FDA concluded that triclocarban provides no proven benefit over regular soap and water while posing unnecessary health risks. Following the FDA ban, most manufacturers have reformulated products to remove triclocarban. The EU has also restricted its use. Health agencies worldwide recommend avoiding this ingredient due to its endocrine-disrupting properties and environmental persistence. Consumers should check older products and ensure any antibacterial items are triclocarban-free.

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Provenance

Where this came from

Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.

Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .

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