Consumer product companies in India are phasing out the controversial anti-bacterial ‘triclosan’ from soap and toothpaste products. The US FDA had banned triclosan from consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes a couple of years ago.
About:
What is it? Triclosan, a antibacterial and antifungal agent, is an ingredient added to many consumer products intended to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination.
Chemical structure and properties: Triclosan, a polychloro phenoxy phenol, is an chlorinated organic compound. It can be synthesized from 2,4-dichlorophenol. It is a white powdered solid with a slight aromatic, phenolic odour.
Application: It is added to some antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics.
Safety concerns: According to some studies, exposure to high doses of triclosan is associated with a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones. It also contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
Indian scenario:
In the late ’90s, triclosan was the main point for a marketing and advertising battle fought between Pepsodent and Colgate. It was a time when marketers flaunted the presence of triclosan in their products.
Now, Colgate-Palmolive (India) has reformulated its premium toothpaste as New Colgate Total by replacing triclosan with zinc and arginine.
Leading soap maker Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has already phased out triclosan from both its soaps/handwash and toothpaste products.
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