Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic antimicrobial compound that inhibits bacterial growth and, at higher concentrations, can kill bacteria. It was widely used in consumer products, including soaps and toothpaste.

FabI: FabI is an enzyme that catalyzes a step in bacterial fatty-acid synthesis. Triclosan inhibits FabI in susceptible bacteria, disrupting fatty-acid production.
Antibacterial soap: Antibacterial soap is soap formulated with an added antimicrobial ingredient intended to reduce or inhibit bacteria. Triclosan was used in consumer antibacterial soaps before the United States restricted its use there.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the federal agency responsible for regulating drugs, foods, cosmetics, and medical products. The agency barred triclosan from over-the-counter consumer antiseptic washes in 2016.
Chlorhexidine: Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic used in healthcare products and some oral rinses. It is a different antimicrobial used in clinical settings, with distinct targets and applications.
Fatty acid synthesis: Fatty acid synthesis is the biochemical pathway that builds fatty acids from smaller molecules. Triclosan’s best-characterized antibacterial target lies in this pathway.
Toothpaste: Toothpaste is a paste or gel used with a toothbrush to clean teeth and support oral health. Triclosan remains an ingredient in some toothpaste formulations for reducing plaque and gingivitis.
European Chemicals Agency: The European Chemicals Agency implements European Union chemicals legislation and provides scientific information on chemical substances. Its assessments inform European restrictions and hazard classifications relevant to triclosan.
Benzalkonium chloride: Benzalkonium chloride is a family of cationic surfactants used as disinfectants and preservatives. It replaced triclosan in some consumer products but acts through different membrane-disrupting mechanisms.
Minimum inhibitory concentration: The minimum inhibitory concentration is the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial that prevents visible microbial growth. Triclosan can inhibit growth at lower concentrations than those needed to kill bacteria.
Colgate Total: Colgate Total is a toothpaste brand whose United States formulation formerly contained triclosan. Its long-running triclosan formulation made toothpaste a prominent exception to soap restrictions.

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