Triclosan: It may not be a household word, but there is little to no chance that you haven't come into direct contact with it in your home -- while washing your hands, brushing your teeth or applying deodorant or face cream. Now that cold season is in full effect, the "antibacterial" soaps in which triclosan is often found may seem like a great idea. But hold it right there:Researchers warn that triclosan, a chemical used as an antimicrobial and preservative, acts as an endocrine disruptor [http://action.safecosmetics.org/ctt.asp?u=2751931&l=9180 ]. Exposure to endocrine disruptors can lead to early puberty, serious reproductive issues and breast cancer. Triclosan's hormone-mimicking behavior could also be responsible for harming aquatic wildlife [http://action.safecosmetics.org/ctt.asp?u=2751931&l=9181, since this chemical is washed into our waterways.
A 2001 study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found triclosan (or triclocarban, which is very similar and also used as an antibacterial in cosmetics) in 76 percent of liquid soaps and 29 percent of bar soaps on the market. The study also found that there are few documented benefits of triclosan. Given the possibility for microbial resistance, widespread consumer use is worth questioning.
The Skin Deep cosmetic safety database assigns triclosan a hazard rating of 7 [http://action.safecosmetics.org/ctt.asp?u=2751931&l=9182 ] (with 10 being the highest hazard rating and 0 the lowest) because of its links to cancer and endocrine disruption, and its ability to irritate organs and bioaccumulate (meaning build up and linger in humans or the ecosystem). Triclosan is restricted for use in Canada and Japan, and the European Union labels it "Irritating to eyes and skin; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms." Even the FDA showed concern [http://action.safecosmetics.org/ctt.asp?u=2751931&l=9183 about the use of triclosan in products that are not immediately washed off the skin in a September 2007 letter to Proctor and Gamble.
So why is triclosan in L'Oreal skin cream [http://action.safecosmetics.org/ctt.asp?u=2751931&l=9184, Johnson & Johnson's Kids' Hand Soap [http://action.safecosmetics.org/ctt.asp?u=2751931&l=9185, Ahava Aftershave [http://action.safecosmetics.org/ctt.asp?u=2751931&l=9186 and countless other products used daily by men, women and children in the United States?
Because cosmetics companies can use ingredients that cause harm and/or have never been tested, retailers can sell products that contain these risky ingredients-and it's all legal, according to the U.S. government.
Our advice for cold season: wash your hands frequently with triclosan-free soap and warm water.
Learn more about endocrine disruption:
Natural Resources Defense Council's fact sheet:
http://action.safecosmetics.org/ctt.asp?u=2751931&l=9187
Breast Cancer Fund's commissioned report The Falling Age of Puberty in U.S. Girls:
http://action.safecosmetics.org/ctt.asp?u=2751931&l=9188
