Review

Triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether) is a small lipophilic compound that has been used since about 1960 in cosmetics, disinfectants and other antibacterial products and it is easily absorbed through the skin.

Used in soaps and hand sanitizers.

Incorporated in products at concentrations between 0.1% and 1%.

Concerns about the use of this chemical component concerning allergies (1) and environmental hazards have emerged in countless specific studies.

Triclosan studies

Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₇Cl₃O₂

Molecular Weight: 289.536 g/mol

UNII: 4NM5039Y5X

CAS: 3380-34-5   112099-35-1  88032-08-0  164325-69-3  261921-78-2  1155174-27-8

EC Number: 222-182-2

FEMA Number:

Synonyms:

• 2,4,4'-Trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether
• 5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichloro-phenoxy)-phenol
• Ether, 2'-hydroxy-2,4,4'-trichlorodiphenyl
• Phenyl ether, 2'-hydroxy-2,4,4'-trichloro-
• Cloxifenol
• 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-5-chlorophenol
• 2-Hydroxy-2',4,4'-trichlorodiphenyl Ether
• Irgasan
• Cloxifenolum
• Triclosanum
• Irgasan DP300
• Stri-Dex Face Wash
• Phenol, 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-
• Lexol 300
• trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether
• 5-chloro-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenor