Is triclosan in toothpaste and household products safe to use during pregnancy?
No. Gestational triclosan exposure is linked to increased atopic and allergic disease risk in children.
What's actually in it
Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical still found in some toothpastes (Colgate Total), certain soaps, and some household products. When you brush your teeth with triclosan toothpaste, some absorbs through oral mucosa. Studies consistently detect triclosan in urine within hours of brushing. During pregnancy, it crosses the placenta and reaches the baby.
Beyond direct toxicity concerns, triclosan disrupts the microbiome. Early-life microbiome development is critical for immune system programming.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Environ Health Perspect tracked gestational and childhood urinary triclosan levels and atopic and allergic disease outcomes in children. Higher gestational triclosan exposure was associated with increased risk of atopic and allergic diseases in the children. Both direct immune effects and microbiome disruption were proposed as mechanisms.
Triclosan provides no benefit in toothpaste beyond what regular fluoride toothpaste provides. You can get the same cavity protection without it.
Check your toothpaste label. Brands like Tom's of Maine and most natural toothpastes don't use triclosan. For baby products that touch oral and skin surfaces, choose organic cotton baby gear and simple ingredient personal care items.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Associations of gestational and childhood urinary triclosan concentrations with atopic and allergic disease | Environ Health Perspect | 2025 |
What to use instead
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