Triclosan

Also known as: triclosan

Varies by useunder our published method

Varies by use. The concern our method flags differs by product type and market — see the per-use verdicts below.

By NordicScan Evidence Engine · generated from structured evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.

What it is

Triclosan is an antimicrobial ingredient historically used in some wash products, deodorants and other personal-care products.

Why people ask

People ask because US OTC antiseptic-wash rules and cosmetic ingredient uses do not have the same regulatory status.

What our method flags — by use

Cosmetic · US OTC antiseptic washes (drug rule, not cosmetics)

For US OTC antiseptic washes, our method rates triclosan as higher-concern because FDA removed it from that wash-product pathway.

The US restricted by the 2016 FDA final rule triclosan in OTC consumer antiseptic wash products.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
US Federal Register / FDA	The US restricted by the 2016 FDA final rule triclosan in OTC consumer antiseptic wash products.	authority_regulatory	2016-09-06	source
US Federal Register / FDA	FDA restricted by final rule triclosan for OTC consumer antiseptic wash products; this scope does not cover every cosmetic product type.	authority_regulatory / --	2016-09-06	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Fair (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

Cosmetic · EU cosmetic preservative uses

For EU cosmetic preservative uses, our method rates triclosan as moderate-concern: the EU amended and narrowed the permitted uses in 2024 following an SCCS scientific review.

The EU restricted by Regulation (EU) 2024/996 the permitted cosmetic preservative uses of triclosan (Annex V entry 25).

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
European Union / EUR-Lex	The EU restricted by Regulation (EU) 2024/996 the permitted cosmetic preservative uses of triclosan (Annex V entry 25).	authority_regulatory	2024-04-03	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

How this moves a product’s score

On a product score, triclosan varies by use: US OTC antiseptic washes carry a higher concern signal, while EU cosmetic preservative uses remain a restricted-use moderate signal.

Nordic Scan provides ingredient information and a concern score under our published method, for general consumer research. It is not medical advice and not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or determine the safety of any product. Decide for yourself.

Common questions

Why does triclosan say varies by use?: The FDA wash-product action and the cosmetic-use status apply to different product types, so the page keeps separate scopes.

This is what Triclosan is. What’s in the products you buy? Scan a label and see the concern signals our method flags. Get the app.

Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · Sources checked 2026-07-08 · See how we score.