Triclosan
What is it?
Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial used as an active ingredient in skin and oral care Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug products and as a preservative in water based consumer products as well as in certain specialized applications such as textiles and plastics.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Triclosan can be used as the preservative in water based formulations of aftershave lotions, bath products, cleansing products, foot sprays, hair conditioners, makeup products, powders, shampoos, shaving products, skin care products, and suntan products. As a bacteriostatic agent against body odor causing bacteria, Triclosan can be found in deodorants, foot sprays, body sprays, and personal cleanliness products. As an antibacterial agent, Triclosan is found in toothpaste, antibacterial handwash and body wash and in topical antiseptic products for wound care.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Triclosan can be used as the preservative in water based formulations of aftershave lotions, bath products, cleansing products, foot sprays, hair conditioners, makeup products, powders, shampoos, shaving products, skin care products, and suntan products. As a bacteriostatic agent against body odor causing bacteria, Triclosan can be found in deodorants, foot sprays, body sprays, and personal cleanliness products. As an antibacterial agent, Triclosan is found in toothpaste, antibacterial handwash and body wash and in topical antiseptic products for wound care.
Safety Information
Using the New Drug Application (NDA) process for OTC drug approval, a company submitted data to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the safety and efficiacy of OTC toothpaste for gum disease. The FDA approved the use of Triclosan with fluoride in a toothpaste that helps prevent tooth decay, plaque and gingivitis when used as directed.
The FDA permits the use of Triclosan in antibacterial soaps and as an antiseptic drug preparation. Additional approvals permit the use of Triclosan in antibacterial surgical sutures and in anti-bacterial pre-operative mouth cleansers to prepare for dental work.
The safety of Triclosan has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel considered all new data including the potential for Triclosan to cause endocrine disrupting effects and concluded that Triclosan is safe for use in cosmetics.
The European Commission has evaluated the safety of Triclosan and permits its use as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products at a maximum concentration of 0.3%.
The FDA permits the use of Triclosan in antibacterial soaps and as an antiseptic drug preparation. Additional approvals permit the use of Triclosan in antibacterial surgical sutures and in anti-bacterial pre-operative mouth cleansers to prepare for dental work.
The safety of Triclosan has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel considered all new data including the potential for Triclosan to cause endocrine disrupting effects and concluded that Triclosan is safe for use in cosmetics.
The European Commission has evaluated the safety of Triclosan and permits its use as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products at a maximum concentration of 0.3%.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
As an antibacterial ingredient Triclosan combats gram-negative bacteria, as well as the odor-causing gram-positive bacteria. As a material preservative, Triclosan is extremely effective in slowing or halting bacterial growth thereby controlling the growth of odor-causing bacteria and preventing bacterial degradation; thus extending the life of everyday products.
Follow this link for more information about how preservatives protect cosmetics and personal care products.
Follow this link for more information about how preservatives protect cosmetics and personal care products.
Scientific facts:
Triclosan has been shown to be effective in reducing and controlling bacterial contamination on the hands and in treated products. In addition to its use in cosmetics and personal care products, Triclosan is added to consumer products that are often exposed to excessive bacteria, such as athletic wear, socks, and cutting boards or in products that are difficult to wash, such as trash cans, plastic shower curtains and other plastic items.
