WASHINGTON—A common ingredient in antibacterial cosmetics, soaps, body washes and other personal care products is triclosan. But recent research on animals is suggesting it may have negative effects on the endocrine system, which is responsible for secreting hormones that help regulate growth, mood, metabolism, etc. As a result, FDA officials are stepping in to review the safety of this ingredient and are conducting an ongoing scientific review in regards to regulations that handle these products, but currently, they don’t have evidence to suggest changing the use of this ingredient in consumer products due to safety.
Back in January, Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment, contacted FDA for an update on its review of the use of triclosan in consumer products.
According to FDA: “For some consumer products, there is clear evidence that triclosan provides a benefit. For other consumer products, FDA has not received evidence that the triclosan provides an extra benefit to health. At this time, the agency does not have evidence that triclosan in antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.”