The Dirt on Clean

What is Triclosan?

Triclosan is often the active ingredient used in antibacterial products. Companies using it can register with Health Canada to market everything from soaps to socks as "antibacterial".

There are three major chemicals used in antibacterial products — triclosan (often found in liquid soap), triclocarban (often found in bar soaps) and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Products with triclosan are known as "antimicrobials" — substances that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. Other antimicrobials include antibiotics, anti-virals, anti-fungals, disinfectants and antiseptics.

Recently, Health Canada recommended avoiding antibacterial products because they kill good bacteria that fight bad germs, and because of concerns over antibacterial resistance.

A recent study of over 200 households found that people using antibacterial products didn't reduce their risk for contracting viral infections.

The use of triclosan is widespread. It's most commonly in hand soaps, cleaning supplies and dish detergents, but also in products that don't claim to be antibacterial. Some toothpastes, kitchen utensils, garbage bags, toys and bedding contain triclosan. Health Canada has also registered 1,200 cosmetics with the ingredient.

Consumers can check product ingredient lists for triclosan, triclocarban and quaternary ammonium compounds. However, products with these chemicals aren't always required to list ingredients, and triclosan can sometimes be referred to by a brand name, such as, Microban.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers aren't antimicrobial, and don't contain triclosan. Hand sanitizers must be at least 60 percent alcohol to effectively fight germs.

Triclosan was invented over 35 years ago. In 1972, it was used as a surgical scrub - its first use in health care systems. Triclosan has since been marketed as the "Aspirin of antibacterials" in hospitals, and as a "lifesaver" in developing countries with unsanitary conditions. It's more conventionally marketed to fight bacteria causing armpit odor, bad breath, acne and inflammation.