TRICLOSAN

March 16, 2019

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.