What You Can Do About Triclosan
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
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 fin containing triclosan.
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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Companies That Do Not Use Triclosan
Examples:
CleanWell
Paul’s Organic
LUSH
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps
Nature’s Gate
Tom’s 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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Retailers Who 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’s 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.
Read more about triclosan.