Is Triclosan safe in cosmetics?
Triclosan has a safety rating of "POOR" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: restricted. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Triclosan
Also known as: 5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, Phenol, 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-, EC No.: 222-182-2, BRN 2057142, Caswell No. 186A (+9 more)
INCI: TRICLOSAN
Triclosan (CAS 3380-34-5) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative. NOAEL 8 mg/kg bw/day (PDF-verified against ToxValDB ECHA IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max ≤0.3% in toothpaste, hand soaps, body washes, bar soaps, deodorants (non-spray); ≤0.2% in face powder, foundation, nail products. Prohibited in mouthwashes and toothpaste for children under 3 years. Enforcement deadline: 31 October 2025. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemic
Function
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative
Editorial assessment
POOR
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
≤0.3% in toothpaste, hand soaps, body washes, bar soaps, deodorants (non-spray); ≤0.2% in face powder, foundation, nail products. Prohibited in mouthwashes and toothpaste for children under 3 years. Enforcement deadline: 31 October 2025
US US Status
restricted
US Notes
FDA banned triclosan from OTC consumer hand soaps (2016) and healthcare antiseptic washes (2017). Permitted in toothpaste under FDA monograph pathway. US Toxic-Free Beauty Act of 2025 proposes prohibition as one of 18 hazardous substances; legislative outcome pending. Environmental persistence and aquatic bioaccumulation documented.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Triclosan.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Triclosan. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =3 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rabbit | repeated dose toxicity | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =3 mg/kg bw/d | - | rabbit | NOAEL study | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =3 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rabbit | repeated dose toxicity | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =3 mg/kg bw/d | - | rabbit | NOAEL study | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =3 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rabbit | repeated dose toxicity | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =3 mg/kg bw/d | - | rabbit | NOAEL study | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =3 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rabbit | repeated dose toxicity | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =3 mg/kg bw/d | - | rabbit | NOAEL study | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =8 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | reproductive toxicity | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =8 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | reproductive toxicity | SCCS Opinion |
Pre-Calculated Safety Assessment
Conditional — safe only within SCCS limits: preservative: toothpastes, hand soaps, body soaps/shower gels, non-spray deodorants, face powders/blemish concealers, and nail pre-cleaning products <=0.3%; mouthwashes <=0.2%; dermal entry-25 products are safe except body lotions; toothpaste <=0.3% is safe individually for adults/children 0.5-18 but not in combinations for children <3; mouthwash <=0.2% is safe only individually for adults, not in combination and not for children/adolescents; triclosan+triclocarban in the same product was not assessed
Pre-calculated NOAEL → SED → MoS audit trail for Triclosan across SCCS product categories, with measured dermal absorption where available.
SCCS NOAEL Values
NOAEL/LOAEL values cited in official SCCS opinions for Triclosan.
| NOAEL | LOAEL | Route | Species | Study | DA% (SCCS) | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 mg/kg/day | 48 mg/kg/day | Oral | Rat | Chronic (2-year) (2 years (dietary)) | 10 | SCCS/1643/22 (2022) |
| 50 mg/kg/day | 150 mg/kg/day | Oral | Rat (CD SD) | Developmental toxicity (OECD 414) (GD 6-17) | 100 | SCCS/1643/22 (2022) |
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Triclosan based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
preservative
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.3%
Cross-reactivity Group
none
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
Source: ESSCA; IVDK; NACDG
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Triclosan, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
20-35%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis/dermis
Molecular Weight
289.5 Da
Log P
4.76
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
15-30%
Safety Margin Factor
very-high
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: SCCS Opinion
EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values
10 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).
| Endpoint | Value | Species | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 | >6000 mg/kg | Rabbit | dermal | acute | ECHA |
| LD50 | >5000 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ECHA |
| LOAEL | =30 mg/kg-day | Mouse | oral | - | ECHA |
| LOAEL | =288 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | subchronic | ECHA |
| LOAEL | =250 mg/kg-day | Hamster | oral | chronic | ECHA |
| LOAEL | =234 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | chronic | ECHA |
| LOAEL | =200 mg/kg-day | Hamster | oral | subchronic | ECHA |
| LOAEL | =1000 ppm | Mouse | oral | short-term | ECHA |
| LOAEL | =10 mg/kg-day | Mouse | oral | chronic | ECHA |
| LOAEL | =25 mg/kg-day | Mouse | oral | subchronic | ECHA |
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Warning
Pictograms
Harmful / IrritantEnvironmental Hazard
Hazard Class and Category
Skin Irrit. 2; Eye Irrit. 2; Aquatic Acute 1; Aquatic Chronic 1
Hazard Statements
- H315 Causes skin irritation
- H319 Causes serious eye irritation
- H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
- H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Specific Concentration Limits / M-factors
M = 100
Inserted via ATP: CLP00
Sensitization AOP Dashboard
Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.
NESIL
3488 µg/cm²
GHS: 1B
Human: positive
Source: HPPT: [228] Marzulli FN and Maibach HI (1973): https://library.scconline.org/v024n07/
HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies
5 human repeat insult patch tests aggregated from dermatological literature.
| Test Type | N | Sensitized | Dose µg/cm² | NESIL µg/cm² | Potency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 697.5 | - | - |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 3487.51 | - | - |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 3487.51 | - | - |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 13950.03 | - | - |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 13950.03 | - | - |
Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)
Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.
Suspected
Evidence: Moderate
(2012)
Health effects: Yes
Affected pathways: Thyroid, Estrogenic
Regulatory framework: REACH
Source list: II
Cosmetic-Specific Mechanism
Category: triclosan
Receptor targets: ERα, AR, TR, AhR
LOEC: 0.1 µM
EU status: banned (Annex II; 2017)
agonist (ER); antagonist (AR, TR); modulator (AhR)
Dose-Response Data Points
| Endpoint | Target | Value | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| IC_threshold_AR | AR | 0.1–10 µmol/L µmol/L | antagonist |
| NOAEL | general | 12 mg/kg/day | - |
| ASED | systemic | 0.047–0.14 mg/kg/day | - |
| dermal_delivery | skin | 0.08 µg/cm² | - |
| Estradiol and testosterone secretion | steroidogenesis | EC50/IC50: LOEC for E2 increase: 3 uM; LOEC: 3 uM; NOEC: 1 uM mixed | modulator (uparrow E2 at 3 uM) |
| Inhibition of E2-stimulated MCF-7 growth | ER | EC50/IC50: IC50 ~1-3 uM; LOEC: 1 uM; NOEC: 0.1 uM mixed | antagonist (in presence of E2) |
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
Ceased manufacture
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
EU CosIng Annex Listing
European Commission CosIng database Annex references per Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Annex V — Permitted Preservatives
Product type: Toothpastes; Hand soaps; Body soaps/Shower gels; Deodorants (non-spray); Face powders and blemish concealers; Nail products for cleaning the fingernails and toenails before the application of artificial nail systems;
Max: 0.3%
For toothpaste containing Triclosan the following labelling is obligatory: ‘Not to be used for children under 3 years of age’.
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
KR Korea MFDS Annex 2 (Restricted)
Category: Preservative. Max: 0.3% (specific product types). Restricted to specific product types
SA Saudi SFDA (V - Preservatives)
Product type: (a) Toothpastes Hand soaps Body soaps/ Shower gels Deodorants (non-spray) Face powders and blemish concealers Nail products for cleaning the fingernails and toenails before the application of artificial nail systems. (b) Mouthwashes. Max: (a) 0.3% (b) 0.2%.
JPKR Japan/Korea Cosmetics
Japan (Positive (Preservative)): max 0.10
Korea (Restricted): max 0.3
Japan (Restricted): max 0.10%
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
Brazil: Permitted Preservative · max a) 0,3% em dentifrícios, sabonetes para as mãos, sabonetes para o corpo/géis corporais para banho, desodorantes para axilas e pés, pós e corretivos faciais e produtos para higiene das unhas antes da aplicação de unhas artificiais. b) 0,2% em enxaguatórios bucais.
India: Permitted Preservative · max (a) 0.3% (b) 0.2%
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (9)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP | restricted | 0.10% | All cosmetics |
| CN | banned | - | - |
| CN | permitted_preservative | 0 | Removed from permitted list |
| IN | permitted_preservative | 0.3 | all cosmetics |
| AU | restricted | 0.3 | toothpaste |
| GCC | banned | - | Mouthwash / oral products above 0.2% |
| BR | permitted_preservative | 0.3 (selected) / 0.2 (mouthwash) | a) Toothpastes, hand soaps, body soaps/gels, bath gels, deodorants, foot/face powders/creams, nail care: 0.3%; b) Mouthwashes: 0.2%; prohibited in sprays and underarm deodorants not in list a |
| CA | restricted | 0.3% (general cosmetics); 0.03% (mouthwash/oral products) | All cosmetics; lower limit for oral products |
Expanded Dermal Absorption Data
Cross-database dermal penetration: EPA Dryad physics-based, Roberts Mendeley permeation, and SCCS-aggregated measured values.
EPA Dryad Skin Absorption (physics-based)
MW: 289.54
LogP: 4.7624
Kp epidermis: 0.27707 cm/h
% dose epidermis: 0.91%
% dose stratum corneum: 0.94%
% dose dermis: 0.91%
Source: EPA Dryad Skin Absorption 2024
Aggregated DA Values (2 records across 5 sources)
| Type | DA % | Method | Skin Model | SCCS Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| measured_in_vitro | 5.9 | In vivo — human PK (urine) In vitro — human skin | - | SCCS/1192/08; SCCS/1643/22 (2009) |
| measured_in_vitro | 27.5 | - | - | SCCS/1584/17 |
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deodorant Body Wash | 0.1–0.3 | 0.3 | CIR Safety Assessment |
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Biocide
Deodorizer
Preservative
Regulatory List Membership (2)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
EU CosIng Cosmetics Ingredient Database
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for Triclosan — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Regulatory Flags
antimicrobial
restricted
eu-annex-v
sccs-edc-assessed
thyroid-disruptor
endocrine-concern
environmental-persistence
bioaccumulation
aquatic-toxin
fda-hs-soap-ban
market-deadline-oct-2025-active
child-prohibition-mouthwash-toothpaste
antibiotic-resistance
toxic-free-beauty-act-2025
endocrine_disruptor
eu_cosing_listed
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Triclosan by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
141
Lowest NOAEL
3
Highest NOAEL
900
Units vary across source rows: mg/kg bw/day, mg/kg bw/d, mg/kg bw
ECHA
SCCS Opinion
Dermal Absorption
View details ->| Absorption % | Method | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 5.9 | In vivo — human PK (urine) In vitro — human skin | Hydrophobic cream; Deodorant; Soap; Lotion |
| 27.5 | - | - |
Known Synonyms
5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol
Phenol, 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-
EC No.: 222-182-2
BRN 2057142
Caswell No. 186A
Cloxifenolum
EINECS 222-182-2
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 054901
Irgasan DP300
Phenyl ether, 2'-hydroxy-2,4,4'-trichloro-
Triclosanum
UNII-4NM5039Y5X
Neostrata Antibacterial Facial Cleanser
5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichloro-phenoxy)-phenol
Chemical Function
Biocide
Preservative
Deodorizer
Regulatory Lists
Europe; Personal care
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
Cleaning products and household care - shoes; Europe
Cleaning products and household care - shoes; Europe
pharmaceutical
Europe; Personal care - body hygiene - hand soap
detected; wastewater
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed_with_terms
Specific information requirements: Obligations to provide information apply. These obligations are: 1. A person introducing this chemical must tell us in writing within 28 calendar days if any of the following circumstances have occurred in relation to their introduction (importation or manufacture): a. The function or use of triclosan has increased, or is...
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Compound
TRICLOSAN
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL849
Max Phase
4
Adverse Event Associations
1767
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Triclosan allowed in the EU?
Triclosan EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: ≤0.3% in toothpaste, hand soaps, body washes, bar soaps, deodorants (non-spray); ≤0.2% in face powder, foundation, nail products. Prohibited in mouthwashes and toothpaste for children under 3 years. Enforcement deadline: 31 October 2025. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Triclosan do in cosmetics?
Triclosan functions as: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 3380-34-5.
What is the NOAEL for Triclosan?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Triclosan is =3 mg/kg bw/day based on a repeated dose toxicity study via oral route in rabbit. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: SCCS Opinion.
Is Triclosan used outside cosmetics?
Triclosan also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Compliance Tools
Check Triclosan compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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