Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal agent widely used in personal care products (such as soaps, toothpaste, mouthwash), household items (like plastic chopping boards and sports equipment), and healthcare settings for disinfection and infection control. Developed in 1966, it acts primarily by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI), which is essential for fatty acid biosynthesis in bacteria. At lower concentrations it is bacteriostatic; at higher concentrations it can be bactericidal through additional mechanisms including membrane disruption. Triclosan does not affect humans via this mechanism because humans lack the FabI enzyme. It has been used to reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and is incorporated into surgical scrubs and sutures to reduce surgical site infections. Its widespread use has raised concerns about potential health risks such as endocrine disruption, bacterial resistance development, allergies, skin irritation, reproductive effects, and environmental impact[1][5][6][8].

Brand names

DermaprotTriclotrex-BTing

Other names

2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether