Can triclosan in soap and toothpaste worsen allergies in children aged 1 to 12?
Some Concern
What's actually in it
Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical found in some toothpastes, hand soaps, body washes, and household cleaners. Children absorb it through their mouth and skin during daily hygiene routines. Triclosan disrupts the immune system and may make it overreact to normally harmless substances like pollen, pet dander, and food.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Environ Health Perspect from the HOME Study measured triclosan levels during pregnancy and childhood and tracked allergic symptoms from ages 1 through 12. The researchers found that higher triclosan exposure was linked to more atopic and allergic symptoms throughout childhood.
The effects included eczema, allergic rhinitis, and food sensitivities. Triclosan may tip the immune system toward an allergic response pattern during the critical early years when the immune system is learning what's dangerous and what's not.
Switch to plain soap and water for handwashing. Choose triclosan-free toothpaste. Check labels for triclosan and triclocarban.
The research at a glance
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