triclosan

American  

[trahy-kloh-san, trahy-kloh-suhn] / ˈtraɪ kloʊˌsæn, traɪˈkloʊ sən /

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

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Etymology

Origin of triclosan

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 • Jun. 6, 2022

Researchers and engineers have made promising strides in producing microbicidal materials, such as those that contain triclosan or quarternary ammonium phosphates, but a self-disinfecting phone is still science fiction.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2019

Soaps containing triclosan on store shelves are likely stocks that retailers are just using up, he said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 25, 2016

In 2012, the company bowed to consumer demand and promised to remove potentially toxic and carcinogenic components from its product line, including removing formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, limiting parabens, and completely eliminating triclosan from their product line.

From The Guardian • Mar. 1, 2016

In fact, some germ-fighting ingredients have been found to be toxic, like triclosan, which has been added to everything from toothpaste to makeup.

From Salon • Sep. 11, 2013