Can triclosan exposure be linked with allergies in children?
Some concern. A 2025 HOME Study analysis linked higher childhood triclosan levels with higher reported eczema risk and a smaller allergic rhinitis signal.
What's actually in it
Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical used in some personal care products. It has been removed from many hand soaps, but families can still run into it in certain toothpastes, body products, and older products.
What the research says
A 2025 Environ Health Perspect HOME Study analysis followed 347 mother-child pairs with repeated triclosan urine testing and allergy reports through age 12. Each 2-fold higher childhood urinary triclosan level was linked with a 1.23x higher risk of reported eczema and a 1.12x higher risk of reported allergic rhinitis.
The study did not find a childhood triclosan link with wheezing. It also did not show that gestational triclosan exposure raised eczema, allergic rhinitis, or wheezing risk in the full sample.
What you can do
Check labels for triclosan and triclocarban. For handwashing, plain soap and water are enough. For kids, choose simple soap and shampoo products without antibacterial claims.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
Choose simple baby soap and shampoo options when you want to avoid antibacterial ingredients like triclosan and triclocarban.
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