Triclosan

What is Triclosan?

What triclosan is

Triclosan is a broad-spectrum synthetic antibacterial and antifungal agent introduced in the 1970s. For decades it was the active ingredient in “antibacterial” hand soaps, body washes, and a wide range of consumer products1.

In 2016 the FDA banned triclosan and 18 other antimicrobials from over-the-counter hand and body soaps, citing manufacturers’ inability to demonstrate that the products were more effective than plain soap and water — while raising concerns about chronic exposure2. The European Commission, Canada, and other regulators have implemented similar restrictions.

Why triclosan is avoided in pregnancy

Multiple endocrine concerns drive the avoid recommendation:

• Thyroid hormone interference. Triclosan binds thyroid hormone receptors and disrupts thyroid signaling in animal studies. Thyroid hormones are critical for fetal brain development — pregnancy hypothyroidism causes lasting cognitive impacts3.
• Placental transfer. Triclosan crosses the placenta — detectable in maternal serum, cord blood, and amniotic fluid in exposure studies.
• Breast milk presence. Detectable in breast milk after maternal use4.
• Antimicrobial resistance. Chronic environmental triclosan exposure contributes to bacterial resistance — a public-health concern beyond individual pregnancy risk.

Where triclosan still appears

The 2016 FDA ban covered OTC hand and body soaps. Triclosan can still legally appear in:

• Toothpaste — Colgate Total still contains triclosan in some formulations (used for gum disease prevention); other brands have removed it.
• Some deodorants and antiperspirants still use it as an antimicrobial.
• Some cosmetics (rare; most have reformulated).
• Many cleaning products — the FDA ban didn’t cover non-cosmetic household products.
• Treated textiles — some antimicrobial-claim athletic wear, towels, kitchenware contain triclosan.

How to avoid triclosan during pregnancy

• Toothpaste: Choose any brand that doesn’t list triclosan in active ingredients. The vast majority are triclosan-free.
• Deodorant: Avoid products specifically marketed as “antibacterial” deodorants. Check ingredient lists.
• Hand soap: Plain soap and water is as effective for hygiene as antibacterial soap, per FDA. Bonus: post-2016 ban, most hand soaps are already triclosan-free.