Ingredient

Triclosan

Triclosan is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, 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

Triclosan and pregnancy

Not Recommended

Triclosan is a synthetic antimicrobial agent used as a preservative and antibacterial ingredient in some cosmetics and personal care products. It was once common in antibacterial soaps, deodorants, and toothpastes, though many manufacturers have now removed it from formulations. According to the FDA and multiple research studies, triclosan is readily absorbed through the skin and has been detected in pregnant women's blood and urine. The compound is an endocrine disruptor that interferes with thyroid hormone function, which is critical for fetal brain development. Animal studies have shown that triclosan exposure during pregnancy can affect offspring neurodevelopment, birth weight, and hormone levels. Human epidemiological studies have found associations between maternal triclosan exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including altered thyroid function and reduced birth weight. ACOG and environmental health organizations recommend avoiding triclosan exposure during pregnancy. The FDA banned triclosan from over-the-counter antiseptic products in 2016 due to insufficient safety data and evidence of endocrine disruption. While some cosmetics may still contain it within EU-permitted limits, pregnant women should avoid all products containing triclosan. Most major brands have reformulated to remove this ingredient, making it easier to find safer alternatives.

BreastfeedingAVOID

Triclosan and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is readily absorbed through the skin and has been extensively studied in breastfeeding populations. Research has consistently detected triclosan in breast milk samples from women exposed to products containing this ingredient. Multiple studies have found triclosan in breast milk, indicating that it transfers from maternal circulation to breastfed infants. The AAD and pediatric organizations recommend avoiding triclosan during breastfeeding due to concerns about infant exposure to this endocrine-disrupting compound. Triclosan can interfere with thyroid hormone function, which is critical for infant brain development. Additionally, early-life exposure to antimicrobials like triclosan may disrupt the development of the infant's microbiome and immune system. The scientific consensus is clear that breastfeeding mothers should avoid products containing triclosan. Given the known presence of this compound in breast milk and its endocrine-disrupting properties, there are no circumstances where exposure is advisable during lactation. Fortunately, most manufacturers have removed triclosan from consumer products, making avoidance relatively straightforward.

PostpartumAVOID

Triclosan and postpartum

Not Recommended

Even for postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, triclosan remains a high-risk ingredient due to its endocrine-disrupting properties. The compound interferes with thyroid hormone function and has been linked to reproductive hormone disruption in multiple studies. Women recovering from pregnancy may have altered hormone levels during the postpartum period, and exposure to endocrine disruptors like triclosan could potentially interfere with the body's hormonal rebalancing. Additionally, the FDA and EU have restricted or banned this ingredient due to insufficient safety evidence and environmental concerns. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding triclosan regardless of reproductive status.

Trying to ConceiveAVOID

Triclosan and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

Women trying to conceive should avoid triclosan due to its well-established endocrine-disrupting properties. Research has found associations between triclosan exposure and reduced fertility, altered menstrual cycle length, and hormonal disruption. The compound interferes with thyroid function, which is essential for conception and early pregnancy. Studies have shown that triclosan accumulates in the body with repeated exposure and can affect reproductive hormone levels in both women and men. Given that optimal hormonal balance is crucial for conception, and that triclosan exposure could continue inadvertently into early pregnancy before a woman knows she's pregnant, avoiding this ingredient during the TTC period is strongly recommended by reproductive endocrinologists.

PCOSAVOID

Triclosan and PCOS

Not Recommended

Triclosan is a well-documented endocrine disruptor that interferes with thyroid hormone function and has been shown in studies to affect reproductive hormones. For women with PCOS, who already have hormonal imbalances, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is particularly concerning. Research has shown that triclosan can affect androgen and estrogen pathways, potentially exacerbating hormonal imbalances in PCOS. Some studies have found associations between triclosan exposure and metabolic disruption, including effects on insulin sensitivity. The compound is absorbed systemically through the skin and can accumulate in the body over time with repeated exposure. Endocrinologists and dermatologists treating PCOS recommend minimizing exposure to known endocrine disruptors. Women with PCOS should avoid products containing triclosan, especially given that safer and more effective preservative alternatives are widely available. The FDA's restrictions on this ingredient reflect growing concerns about its hormonal effects.

General UseAVOID

Triclosan and general use

Not Recommended

Triclosan is a synthetic antimicrobial agent that was once widely used in antibacterial soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, and cosmetics. It works by disrupting bacterial cell walls to prevent microbial growth in products. However, extensive research has raised serious concerns about its safety and environmental impact. The FDA banned triclosan from over-the-counter antiseptic wash products in 2016, citing insufficient evidence that it was more effective than plain soap and water, and growing concerns about hormone disruption. According to the FDA and numerous scientific studies, triclosan is an endocrine disruptor that interferes with thyroid hormone function. It is readily absorbed through the skin and has been detected in the blood and urine of most Americans tested. Research has linked triclosan exposure to antibiotic resistance, disruption of gut microbiome, allergies, and potential reproductive effects. The compound also accumulates in the environment and is toxic to aquatic organisms. The EU severely restricts triclosan use in cosmetics, permitting it only at very low concentrations in specific products, and it is banned entirely in several countries. Most major cosmetic manufacturers have voluntarily removed triclosan from their formulations due to consumer concerns and regulatory pressure. The scientific consensus is that triclosan is unnecessary in most cosmetic products and that safer preservative alternatives are available. Consumers should avoid products containing this ingredient and choose triclosan-free alternatives.

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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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