Can triclosan in soap and toothpaste trigger allergies in children?

What's actually in it

Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical that was widely used in hand soap, body wash, toothpaste, and cleaning products. Although the FDA banned it from consumer hand soaps in 2016, it still shows up in some toothpastes, cosmetics, and household products. It also persists in the environment and in people's bodies.

Pregnant women exposed to triclosan pass it to their babies through the placenta. Children continue to absorb it from toothpaste, soaps, and products that still contain it.

What the research says

A 2025 study in Environ Health Perspect tracked triclosan levels in pregnant women and their children from birth to age 12. Kids who had higher triclosan exposure, both before birth and during childhood, had more atopic and allergic symptoms including eczema, wheezing, and allergic rhinitis.

The study measured triclosan in urine at multiple time points, giving a detailed picture of how exposure levels relate to allergy development over time. The effect was strongest for children who were exposed during pregnancy and continued to be exposed in early childhood.

Triclosan disrupts the immune system in ways that make it overreact to harmless substances like pollen and pet dander. Checking ingredient labels for triclosan and choosing triclosan-free products during pregnancy and for young children is a practical way to reduce this risk.