murphyTriclosan
AKA: 3380-34-5, 5-CHLORO-2-(2, 4-DICHLOROPHENOXY)PHENOL, Cloxifenolum, 4'-Trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether, Triclosanum, Irgasan DP300, Stri-Dex Cleansing Bar, Stri-Dex Face Wash, CH 3565
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Not Clean
OriginTriclosan is synthesized from chlorinated phenolic compounds derived from petrochemical sources. It is produced through chlorination and condensation reactions of 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether precursors.
Triclosan is an aromatic ether that is phenol which is substituted at C-5 by a chloro group and at C-2 by a 2,4-dichlorophenoxy group. It is widely used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in personal care products such as soaps, skin creams, toothpaste and deodorants as well as in household items such as plastic chopping boards, sports equipment and shoes. It has a role as an EC 1.3.1.9 [enoyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase (NADH)] inhibitor, a fungicide, an antibacterial agent, a xenobiotic, an antimalarial, an EC 1.5.1.3 (dihydrofolate reductase) inhibitor, a persistent organic pollutant and a drug allergen. It is a dichlorobenzene, a member of phenols, an aromatic ether and a member of monochlorobenzenes.
Solubility In water, 10 mg/L at 20 °C
Formula
C12H7Cl3O2
Mol. Weight
289.50
CAS #
3380-34-5
State
White to off-white crystalline powder; [HSDB]
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Fights Bacteria
Controls Odor
Preserves Formula
Neutralizes odor
Prevents microbial growth
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
7
CIR
Insufficient
Pregnancy
—
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 569)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
5 studies / 2 irritating / 1 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions moderate (CIR 569)
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions moderate (CIR 569)
Mixed Sensitization Results
5 studies / 1 sensitizing / 4 not sensitizing (CIR 569)
Dermal Absorption 7.2–12%
4 product formulation studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 569)
Concentration Guide
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 0.15%
EU/SCCS limit: 0.15% in cosmetic products. Opinion: SCCS/1414/11
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR