Triclosan / triclocarban
Toxins · Antimicrobial
Moderate exposure concern
Bottom line
Read Off Label rates Triclosan / triclocarban a MODERATE exposure concern (4.1/10) based on moderate evidence of low-med harm magnitude and declining exposure prevalence.
FDA 2016 antibacterial soap ban was a major regulatory action.
This entry describes an exposure rather than an added intervention.
What the evidence says
FDA 2016 antibacterial soap ban was a major regulatory action. Long-running key finding: no evidence antibacterial soaps work better than plain soap for household handwashing. Persists in water treatment sludge applied to agricultural soil as biosolids.
Mechanism
Chlorinated bisphenol antimicrobials formerly ubiquitous in antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, cutting boards/fabrics; endocrine and thyroid effects; drives antibiotic resistance; FDA banned from consumer soaps 2016
Reported exposure / mitigation context
Household trials show no benefit of antibacterial-labeled products over plain soap and water
Citations
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Common questions
- How harmful is Triclosan / triclocarban?
- Triclosan / triclocarban is rated MODERATE exposure concern (4.1/10) on the Read Off Label scale, derived from moderate evidence of low-med harm magnitude and declining exposure prevalence.
- How does Triclosan / triclocarban cause harm?
- Chlorinated bisphenol antimicrobials formerly ubiquitous in antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, cutting boards/fabrics; endocrine and thyroid effects; drives antibiotic resistance; FDA banned from consumer soaps 2016
- What exposure context is reported for Triclosan / triclocarban?
- FDA 2016 antibacterial soap ban was a major regulatory action.
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.