Is triclosan in antibacterial products safe to use daily?
Unnecessary. Regular soap and water removes the same bacteria without the hormone-disrupting chemicals.
What's actually in it
Triclosan and other antimicrobial chemicals are added to soaps, cutting boards, textiles, and personal care products to kill bacteria. The FDA banned triclosan in over-the-counter soaps in 2016, but it's still in some toothpastes and other products.
Triclosan acts as an endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Regular soap and water is as effective at removing bacteria as antibacterial products.
What the research says
A 2026 study in lancet infect dis found that global burden of lower respiratory infections and aetiologies, 1990-2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023..
GBD 2023 Lower Respiratory Infections and Antimicrobial.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Global burden of lower respiratory infections and aetiologies, 1990-2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. | Lancet Infect Dis | 2026 |
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