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Ingredient deep-dive

Triclosan: Is It a Microplastic?

High concernPlasticiser / chemical of concern

Antibacterial agent, not a plastic. Included because it is a persistent endocrine-active chemical that appears alongside microplastics in the same personal-care products and the same wastewater.

Where it appears

  • Legacy antibacterial soap
  • Some toothpaste
  • Deodorant

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Restricted to specific product types at low concentration.

United States

Banned from over-the-counter antiseptic washes since 2017; permitted in some toothpaste.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Plain soap and water
  • Zinc-based deodorant
  • Fluoride toothpaste without triclosan

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Triclosan, common questions

Is Triclosan a microplastic?

Yes. Antibacterial agent, not a plastic. Included because it is a persistent endocrine-active chemical that appears alongside microplastics in the same personal-care products and the same wastewater.

Is Triclosan banned?

EU: Restricted to specific product types at low concentration. US: Banned from over-the-counter antiseptic washes since 2017; permitted in some toothpaste.

What can I use instead of Triclosan?

Cleaner alternatives include: Plain soap and water; Zinc-based deodorant; Fluoride toothpaste without triclosan.

What products contain Triclosan?

Commonly found in: Legacy antibacterial soap; Some toothpaste; Deodorant.

Related ingredients

Parabens

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · Medium concern

Preservatives flagged for endocrine activity; commonly co-occur with plastic polymers in synthetic formulas.

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Phthalates

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · High concern

Plasticisers used to soften plastic, banned from many products. Strong endocrine disruptors.

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BHT / BHA

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · Low concern

Synthetic antioxidants, co-occurrence flag in plastic-heavy formulas.

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DEHP (Diethylhexyl Phthalate)

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · High concern

The most studied plasticiser and a recognised endocrine disruptor. Banned in EU cosmetics. It reaches food and bodies mainly through plastic packaging and processing equipment rather than through cosmetic formulas.

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