Introduction to Triclosan and Its Many Identities
Triclosan is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that has been incorporated into a wide variety of consumer and medical products since its patenting in the 1960s. While the term 'triclosan' is well-known, the compound has been marketed under numerous other chemical names and trade names over the decades. Due to regulatory changes and growing public awareness of potential health and environmental concerns, recognizing these aliases is crucial for informed consumer choices. The different names stem from varying contexts, such as chemical nomenclature for scientific use versus marketing-driven branding for commercial products.
Chemical and Systematic Names for Triclosan
In the world of chemistry, a single compound often has multiple systematic names based on different naming conventions. These names precisely describe the molecular structure and are essential for scientific communication. For triclosan, these include:
- 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol: This is a widely used and highly descriptive chemical name.
- 2,4,4'-Trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether: Another systematic name that clearly defines its structure.
- Cloxifenolum: A synonym also sometimes used to refer to the chemical compound.
Common Trade and Brand Names
On the other hand, trade and brand names are created by manufacturers for marketing purposes and are what consumers typically see on product packaging. Many of these have been retired or phased out due to regulatory changes by agencies like the FDA. Notorious trade names for triclosan include:
- Microban®: Marketed for use in plastics, clothing, and other materials to inhibit bacterial growth. This name is associated with a wide range of products from kitchenware to building materials.
- Irgasan®: Patented by Ciba-Geigy and sold under various identifiers, notably Irgasan DP300, for hospital and industrial use.
- Biofresh®: Used for triclosan applied to acrylic fibers, such as those found in socks and other apparel.
- Ster-Zac: An older trade name used for triclosan in medical settings.
- Aquasept: A brand name that has been associated with topical triclosan products.
- Septisol: Another brand name used for triclosan topical formulations.
A History of Usage and Regulation
Triclosan was initially introduced in the 1960s and primarily used in medical and hospital settings as a disinfectant and antiseptic. Its effectiveness made it a popular ingredient, and by the 1990s, it had expanded into a vast array of consumer goods, including deodorant soaps, toothpaste, cosmetics, and household items like cutting boards and toys. For example, the use of triclosan in toothpaste was found to be effective in fighting gingivitis.
Concerns over the safety and effectiveness of triclosan, however, eventually led to regulatory action. In September 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ban on the use of triclosan and 18 other active ingredients in over-the-counter consumer antiseptic wash products. The FDA concluded that manufacturers had not provided sufficient data to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients over plain soap and water. Subsequently, the FDA also banned triclosan from many antiseptic products used in healthcare settings.
Despite these regulations, triclosan is still permitted in certain products, such as specific toothpastes where its effectiveness against gingivitis has been documented. The FDA's rules primarily focused on consumer washes, and the use of triclosan as a materials preservative in textiles and plastics is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Why the Numerous Names Matter
The proliferation of names for triclosan makes it challenging for consumers to identify its presence. While the FDA ban covered consumer antiseptic washes, triclosan and its aliases can still be found in other products or materials. By being aware of these alternative names, consumers can better scrutinize ingredient labels and product descriptions. The chemical's use as a materials preservative means it might be integrated into products and not listed as a traditional 'ingredient.' In these cases, checking for claims like "antimicrobial" or brand names like Microban is necessary.
Comparison of Triclosan Name Types
| Name Type | Examples | Context | Status | Key Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Names | 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, 2,4,4'-Trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether | Scientific literature, chemical identifiers | Standardized | Precise molecular structure identification. |
| Pharmaceutical/Research Grade | Irgacare MP, Irgasan DP300 | Medical, laboratory, clinical research | Varies, regulated by FDA | Used for therapeutic and experimental purposes. |
| Trade Names (Plastics/Textiles) | Microban®, Biofresh® | Consumer products (cutting boards, toys, fabrics) | Regulated by EPA; not banned | Used to preserve materials; check product labels and descriptions. |
| Trade Names (Topical) | Aquasept, Septisol, Ster-Zac | Historical medical soaps, antiseptics | Largely banned by FDA | Banned from many consumer and healthcare topical applications. |
Conclusion: Navigating Product Labels for Triclosan
For decades, triclosan was added to a wide array of products under a variety of names to prevent microbial growth. While recent regulations have banned its use in many consumer hand soaps and healthcare antiseptics, triclosan may still appear in some specialized products and materials under its chemical name or a trade name like Microban®. Acknowledging that triclosan is not always labeled explicitly is the first step toward making informed decisions about exposure to this antimicrobial. Consumers can make choices that align with their health and environmental priorities by carefully examining product claims and consulting up-to-date information from regulatory bodies like the FDA and EPA.
Learn more about the FDA's decision and the regulatory landscape for antibacterial ingredients at FDA consumer information on antibacterial soaps.
