Is Triclosan Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Triclosan is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
INCI name Triclosan. CAS 3380-34-5.
Is Triclosan banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | antibacterial soap, toothpaste, deodorant |
| CAS number | 3380-34-5 |
What is Triclosan?
Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent.
Why is Triclosan used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
Is Triclosan dangerous? Documented risks
An endocrine disruptor linked to antibiotic resistance. Restricted in the EU and banned in US over-the-counter antibacterial soaps, but still allowed in some products.
Products that may contain Triclosan
How to avoid Triclosan: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Triclosan
Is Triclosan banned in the EU?
Triclosan is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Triclosan in US cosmetics?
Yes — Triclosan can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Triclosan?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Triclosan automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Triclosan?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Triclosan.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Triclosan or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related endocrine disruptors
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU endocrine disruptor list I — EU ED Lists
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.