Triclosan
molecular structure · PubChem
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
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]
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
Traditional Use
This is the CAS number for Ascorbyl Palmitate, a stabilized form of Vitamin C developed in the mid-20th century. Created to improve the shelf-stability of vitamin C in skincare formulations while maintaining antioxidant properties.
EWG
7
CIR
Insufficient
Pregnancy
—
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.15%
0%0%
Reg. Limit
EU/SCCS limit: 0.15% in cosmetic products. Opinion: SCCS/1414/11
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR