triclosan

[ trahy-kloh-san, trahy-kloh-suhn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white solid compound, C 12 H 7 Cl 3 O 2 , with antibacterial and antifungal properties and numerous commercial uses, as in laundry detergents, toothpastes, toys, clothing, and housewares: it is no longer allowed in personal soaps and hand sanitizers, having been declared unsafe and ineffective by the FDA, which has also called for its ban in similar antiseptic products used in hospitals and other healthcare settings. : TCS

Word History and Origins

Origin of triclosan¹

First recorded in 1970–75; tri- ( def ) + c(h)lo(r) ²( def ) + -san (a suffix of unknown origin)

Example Sentences

But part of the antibacterial effect of toothpaste may have been because of triclosan, an antiseptic that the Food and Drug Administration recently banned because of its potentially negative health effects.

From Washington Post

However, research has since found that triclosan can be detrimental to the body’s endocrine system, and the US Food and Drug Administration banned its use in hygiene products at the end of 2017.

From The Guardian

For decades, there were also versions made with another powerful antibacterial agent, triclosan, which was found in everything from soaps to toothpaste.

From The Guardian

In addition to PFAS, Brominated flame retardants and triclosan, the key ingredient in many antibacterial products, have both shown relative resistance to degradation in compost systems.

From Salon

In 2016, antibacterial agent triclosan was banned from household soap products with the curious exception of Colgate Total toothpaste.

From Salon