Triclosan: What You Can Do About It
While triclosan is often thought to protect from harmful bacteria, it turns out that the use of this dangerous chemical in household products is no more effective than soap and water and may be doing more harm than good.
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Avoid Products That Contain Triclosan
| TAKE ACTION |
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| Take the anti-triclosan pledge! |
Be on the lookout for triclosan on the ingredient lists of soaps, facial cleansers, exfoliants, acne medicines, toothpaste, cosmetics, deodorant and other personal care products. When looking for triclosan in plastics or fabrics, watch out for products that are marketed as containing Microban or Biofresh. Report products that you find containing triclosan and take the pledge to choose soaps and products wisely.
Examples of Products That Contain Triclosan:
| Neutrogena Deep Clean Body Scrub Bar | Clean & Clear Oil Free Foaming Facial Cleanser |
| Lever 2000 Special Moisture Response Bar Soap, Antibacterial | Dawn Complete Antibacterial Dish Liquid |
| CVS Antibacterial Hand Soap | Ajax Antibacterial Dish Liquid |
| Dial Liquid Soap, Antibacterial Bar Soap | Colgate Total Toothpaste |
| Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap | Right Guard Sport Deodorant |
| Cetaphil Gentle Antibacterial Cleansing Bar | Old Spice Red Zone, High Endurance and Classic Deodorants |
| Clearasil Daily Face Wash | Vaseline Intensive Care Antibacterial Hand Lotion |
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Support Companies That Do Not Use Triclosan
Examples:
| CleanWell | Paul‚ Organic |
| LUSH | Dr. Bronner‚ Magic Soaps |
| Nature‚ Gate | Tom‚ of Maine |
| Vermont Country | The Natural Dentist |
| Naked Soap Works | Listerine Essential Care |
| MiEssence | Peelu |
| Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer | Weleda |
| Ivory | Toxic Free Basics |
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Look for Retailers That Do Not Sell Products That Contain Triclosan
Ikea and The Body Shop both sell only triclosan-free products. Whole Foods has a large selection of products that do not contain triclosan, but make sure you read the label because Whole Foods does not have a specific store policy banning triclosan. Trader Joe‚ has a similar practice. Aveda searched its product ingredient database and found no evidence of triclosan, but the company told Food & Water Watch that it has no specific policy regarding triclosan.
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Get Triclosan Out of Your Community
Encourage your local schools, government agencies and religious institutions to use their buying power to go triclosan-free. Contact us for tips on how to get started.