Triclosan
Triclosan
- Role
- An antimicrobial preservative that also holds back odor-causing bacteria.
- Catalog formulas
- 1
- Type
- Stability
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
A polychlorinated phenoxyphenol. CosIng lists it as an antimicrobial, a deodorant ingredient and a preservative.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In the catalog it appears in a deodorant stick. It helps against odor by acting on bacteria and protects the product itself; it does not reduce sweating.
In the EU it is permitted under Annex V of Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 25) at up to 0.3% and only in the listed product types, which include non-spray deodorants. It is not allowed as a preservative in aerosol deodorants; the current conditions were set by Regulation 2024/996.
Like any preservative, it may cause an individual reaction. According to COSMILE Europe, in 2011 the SCCS assessed its safety for humans and the question of bacterial resistance and proposed additional restrictions.
Not a paraben and not o-Cymen-5-ol: it is a preservative from a different chemical class. Nor is it an aluminum salt: it reduces odor through bacteria, not by reducing sweat.
Products containing Triclosan
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- CosIng Checker: Annex V, entry 25 (Triclosan) Supports: permitted concentration, permitted product types, deadlines
- COSMILE Europe (CosIng data): Triclosan Supports: function, safety assessment