Contact Us
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
© 2025 Jeifer Pharmaceutical, All Right
Reserved.
Triclosan started showing up in the scientific literature in the 1960s, a period when the chemical industry was riding high on promises of spotless homes and germ-free lives. Back then, producers and researchers eyed the compound for its ability to halt bacterial growth. It didn’t take long for factories to ramp up and weave triclosan into soap, toothpaste, and a pocketful of everyday products. The drive toward antibacterial everything picked up speed in the 1980s and 1990s, with regulatory agencies putting out detailed monographs and pharmacopeial specifications—hence the notations BP, EP, and USP, which point out the British, European, and United States standards for pharmaceutical grade chemicals. Even as regulatory scrutiny sharpened after the year 2000, use kept up, mostly thanks to customer demands and industry inertia.
Pharma-grade triclosan, reached after layers of purification, comes out as a white, crystalline powder. Manufacturers guarantee purity that satisfies strict thresholds—a must for active pharmaceutical ingredients. This batch undergoes repeated testing, usually hitting over 98% assay, free from moisture, odd odors, or visible debris. What stands out from less controlled grades is batch traceability and rigorous documentation. Drug and toothpaste makers lean on pharma-grade triclosan because it offers fewer unknowns, checks out in stability trials, and works predictably when mixed in precise applications.
Triclosan fills the role as a slightly aromatic white crystalline powder that doesn’t dissolve well in water but finds its home in organic solvents like ethanol and ether. Scanning through the structure, each molecule carries three chlorine atoms attached to a diphenyl ether, making it pretty resistant to breakdown—even in tough conditions like toothpaste pastes or high-temperature manufacturing. This stability leads to steady shelf lives for pharmaceutical products, but also explains why environmental scientists have been raising flags about its persistence in water sources. Single-molecule purity (C12H7Cl3O2) keeps performance predictable, which helps when creating therapeutic products.
Every pharma-grade shipment gets matched up against a spread of pharmacopeial monographs. The label reads like a checklist for compliance: batch number, manufacturing date, expiration, certificate of analysis, test results for impurities like dioxins and chlorinated dibenzodioxins, and storage guidelines. Regulatory bodies don’t go easy on discrepancies. The US Pharmacopeia calls for no more than 0.5% related substances, a melting point sitting neatly around 56–60 degrees Celsius, and almost no water unless specifically noted in the test report. Failing these, a batch doesn’t reach the customer. As someone who has watched product recalls unfold, the strict approach is there for good reason—nobody wants sub-par chemicals in their medicines.
Producers craft triclosan primarily through the reaction between 2,4-dichlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol in the presence of sodium hydroxide, using an etherification step to stitch the two pieces together. After the main synthetic step, the crude product goes through multiple filtration and washing cycles, with the final crystalline solid further purified by recrystallization. Sometimes, flash chromatography enters the picture for better purity. Each step builds in checks for yield and impurity, reflecting the close scrutiny that comes with API manufacturing. Poor handling during isolation and wash steps can shoot up the impurity profile, calling for batch reworks or outright rejection.
Laboratories and researchers have nudged triclosan’s structure over the years. By fiddling with the ether linkages, researchers try to push up antibacterial activity or knock down unwanted side effects. Derivatives crop up in patents and publications, with tweaks like replacing a chlorine with a fluorine atom, or stretching the aromatic rings, looking for sharper specificity against microbe types and metabolic stability. Not every modification pans out, and some bring new worries—such as altered degradation paths creating dioxins, or affecting aquatic life in ways still under discussion. The technical payoff often stays balanced with a heap of regulatory paperwork, especially when looking to widen product applications.
In company catalogs and drug registries, triclosan wears many identities. The most echoed ones include “Irgasan DP 300,” “CH-3565,” “2,4,4’-trichloro-2’-hydroxydiphenyl ether,” and “Lexol 300.” Each name connects back to manufacturer branding, research shorthand, or chemical structure. These names stick around in global trade, sometimes leading to confusion: scientists might request “Irgasan,” only to find out the local supplier uses “Triclosan.” Getting the right CAS number (3380-34-5) typically ends the confusion, but label reading trumps guesswork.
Modern handling of triclosan in the pharma world doesn’t leave safety up to chance. Operators pull on gloves and goggles, working under fume hoods during weighing and transferring. Safety data sheets highlight the low acute toxicity through skin or inhalation, but point out irritation risks and possible links to hormone disruption in long-term exposure. Storage follows rules meant to reduce cross-contamination—sealed containers in cool, dry rooms, away from acids and sunlight. Plants handling larger batches keep spill containment and disposal protocols sharp, since local regulation and public concern push for zero tolerance in waste mismanagement. Years ago, stakeholders might have shrugged at a few stray grams hitting the drain; the same slip today can trigger full-scale audits.
Triclosan kept a spot in broad-spectrum antimicrobial creams, post-surgical ointments, anti-dandruff shampoo, and—until recently—most over-the-counter antibacterial hand soaps. Large oral care brands used it in toothpastes for gum protection, with studies supporting reductions in plaque and gingivitis compared to plain fluoride-only options. Beyond medicine, researchers found it in textiles and plastics, slowing down the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Shifts in public opinion, environmental findings, and new rules keep shrinking triclosan’s territory. Some countries set outright bans in over-the-counter soaps, and toothpaste makers respond by offering alternatives. Any company weighing its continued use should measure not only regulatory compliance but the social license to operate, especially since customers now read labels more carefully than ever before.
Scientific teams keep digging into triclosan’s antibacterial pathways. It acts mainly by blocking enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase in bacteria, cutting off fatty acid synthesis, which bacteria need for cell membranes. Studies track resistance patterns, with some bacteria evolving workarounds, especially after decades of low-level exposure in wastewater and household drains. Research now stretches into alternatives, looking for molecules that tackle germs but sidestep resistance risks and don’t provoke the same environmental baggage. Advances in formulation—coatings, encapsulation, and targeted delivery—offer some hope that if triclosan sticks around, it can do so with sharper targeting and less off-target impact.
Toxicologists ran animal studies that set safety margins for triclosan in the 1970s and 80s. Acute toxicity sits low, but longer exposures bring other worries. Concerns about endocrine disruption, antibiotic resistance, and environmental persistence fuel public health debates. Some rodent studies link high doses to hormone changes, and environmental scientists detect measurable triclosan in waterways, taken in by fish and building up from one animal to the next. The United States Food and Drug Administration and Europe’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety see no risk at approved doses in toothpaste or mouthwash, yet both stress the need to keep long-term exposures in check. My own experience talking with healthcare providers shows that toxicology debates aren’t just academic—they shape purchasing, prescribing, and policy moves.
The path forward for triclosan looks uncertain. Some regulatory bodies restrict non-essential uses, urging industries to drop it from products with limited health benefits. Pharmaceutical manufacturers keep tight controls, using it only after reviewing risk-benefit calculations. Moves toward greener chemistry encourage development of antibacterial agents that break down more easily and avoid bioaccumulation. Companies invest in transparency and third-party audits to stay ahead of changing global rules. In my view, the next chapter depends on new science, open data, and regulatory agility, helping to sort real risks from overblown fears. Shifts in customer views and evolving knowledge about environmental footprints set the stage for either careful repositioning of triclosan in specific, justified roles or a full retreat toward less controversial substances.
Step into a pharmacy and scan the ingredients on the back of antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, or even some deodorants. A common name keeps surfacing: triclosan. At its pharma grade—marked by BP, EP, USP labels—triclosan signals a level of purity for medicine makers, not just manufacturers of soap or paste. What makes this version worth a closer look often boils down to its use in healthcare and consumer health products.
Most people reach for soap or toothpaste to fight germs and maintain hygiene, but few realize triclosan does the heavy lifting behind the scenes. Its ability to disrupt the growth of bacteria—especially strains that can cause infections—has led companies to add it in everything from topical creams to surgical scrubs. This grade matches the safety and purity standards required for pharmaceutical products, so it’s not the same batch as what ends up in dishwashing liquid.
Once, I visited a dental clinic that emphasized their use of triclosan-containing toothpaste during professional cleanings. The dentist explained that for patients struggling with gum disease, regular fluoride toothpaste wasn’t doing enough. Triclosan, with its antimicrobial muscle, helped cut back on plaque and stopped bacteria from taking root between visits. Studies back this up. The American Dental Association has recognized triclosan’s plaque-fighting benefits when combined with certain copolymers. Such endorsements don’t come lightly.
Stories around triclosan haven’t always been flattering. Environmental scientists have concerns. Wastewater analysis reveals traces of triclosan running downstream, raising flags about its impact on aquatic life and potential to feed antibiotic resistance. Research from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shook up the market in 2016, prompting bans of triclosan from over-the-counter consumer soaps without demonstrable health benefits.
There’s also the growing body of evidence pointing to possible effects on hormone regulation and the skin microbiome. Whenever I read about triclosan turning up in breast milk or urine samples, I understand why many are uneasy about widespread use.
Trust in materials like triclosan comes down to responsible use. In my work with health product developers, I’ve seen a shift: only using triclosan in tightly regulated doses and strictly in products where it genuinely outperforms the alternatives. Prescription-only mouthwashes for periodontal disease are a good example.
To support consumer health without relying so heavily on triclosan, brands now bet on chlorhexidine, essential oils, or alcohol-based agents. Many have also doubled down on new research, hoping plant-derived solutions can bring antimicrobial benefits with fewer environmental side effects. Patients are encouraged to read ingredients and ask about what they're putting on their skin or teeth. If more people ask questions, manufacturers won’t just toss in an ingredient because it’s worked before.
The science is clear: pharma grade triclosan isn’t about killing every microbe possible, but about limiting infection risks in the right context. Its continued presence in healthcare draws scrutiny, but it also keeps the conversation alive about how we keep medicine both effective and safe for everyone involved—people and the planet.
Triclosan has long been used in healthcare and consumer products, but not every batch is ready for pharmaceutical work. Pharmaceutical-grade triclosan goes through much tougher checkpoints compared to the bulk stuff you find in basic hygiene products. Quality in medicine comes down to more than marketing labels—purity and composition matter. Patients rely on the fact that every ingredient is screened and controlled.
A pharma-grade tag means strict attention to the content and how much impurity survives the process. The chemical name is 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, and reputable sources demand at least 97% to 99% purity for pharmaceutical use. Impurities must stay under a half percent, sometimes even less depending on country and manufacturer. Trace elements and residual solvents—leftover from when the compound was made—get documented and tested. Heavy metals, which can accumulate in the human body and cause trouble, stay below 10 parts per million or lower.
Color and appearance jump out as well. Pharma grade triclosan usually comes as white, crystalline powder. If a batch arrives off-color or with visible specks, that signals quality control missed its mark. That kind of care to visual clues has saved medicine makers from bigger blunders down the line.
Every story from the lab has something in common: methods that work without bias. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measures up-to-date purity. Gas chromatography helps spot even tiny levels of contaminants like dioxins—no one wants to hear that word near medicine. Water content also matters quite a bit; too much moisture can change how it’s stored, how it mixes, or how it works in a person’s body, so a standard Karl Fischer test checks that water sits below 0.5%. Those standards show up in quality manuals and don’t leave room for taking short cuts.
When you walk into a pharmacy or see a doctor’s prescription pad, the hope is every ingredient does its job safely. Triclosan’s main role in pharma has been as an antimicrobial. In an era of rising resistance, even minor contaminants can spark bigger problems. Purity means avoiding leftovers that bugs could use to adapt and survive. People expect long shelf lives and clear dosing—contaminants only muddy the water.
Triclosan’s reputation in consumer goods has taken some hits, with bans or restrictions in place in many countries. Still, the controlled, narrow uses in medicine keep it on the list—provided those purity benchmarks get met. Regulatory bodies like the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or the European Pharmacopoeia publish specs that manufacturers follow closely. Sometimes a pharma company hires a third-party auditor just to double-check everything.
Years spent in research labs have proven that outside certification does more than add paperwork. Third-party validation means a molecule that went into a lab last year gives the same results in a doctor’s office this month. Open communication between labs, regulators, and production teams shines light on any gaps early. Solutions often involve investing in better detection, putting in more rounds of testing, or choosing suppliers who open their books and their doors for inspection. It’s the kind of teamwork that keeps pharma grade what it promises on the label—pure, reliable, and trustworthy at every shipment.
Triclosan isn't some new chemical. You’ve probably brushed your teeth with it or washed your hands with soap containing this compound. It has been a common antimicrobial, used for decades to prevent bacterial contamination in products. Pharmaceutical-grade Triclosan—specifically meeting BP, EP, or USP standards—means it has passed tests for purity. These standards matter for anyone producing medication or medical products. Still, a pure ingredient on paper doesn’t always mean it’s right for every use.
History with Triclosan gives people reason to stop and think. In 2016, the U.S. FDA pulled approval for Triclosan in over-the-counter soaps. Why? Studies linked long-term exposure to potential hormone disruption and increased bacterial resistance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found the chemical in urine samples from millions of Americans. Research from the National Institutes of Health continues to watch for risks, especially when Triclosan moves from the environment into the human body. It doesn’t just wash off and disappear. Once released, it can break down into dioxins, which stick around in soil and water. Dioxins bring their own health baggage.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers choose ingredients because of predictable results. Pharma-grade Triclosan meets stricter standards, but if the molecule interacts with the body in unsafe ways, purity doesn’t solve the core problem. In my experience with pharmaceutical ingredients, even a minuscule contaminant can trigger waves of product recalls, lawsuits, and, at worst, harm to patients. The stigma around Triclosan isn’t just about its track record in everyday products. Studies in lab animals have pointed toward disruptions in thyroid function and muscle weakness. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reported findings that link Triclosan exposure to changes in hormone levels.
Drug makers want predictable, effective outcomes. Modern practice now weighs antimicrobial necessity with long-term impact. Many manufacturers have started removing Triclosan from consumer-facing formulas. Instead, they look at older, time-tested preservatives or embrace single-use packaging to avoid broad-spectrum antimicrobials altogether. In Europe, regulations restrict the use of Triclosan in cosmetics. Health Canada limits how much Triclosan can show up in mouthwash or toothpaste.
Public trust in medicine comes from openness and a track record of listening to new science. Any formulation with Triclosan must be checked not only for purity but for risk in every intended use. Responsible manufacturers run fresh toxicology assessments, even on old chemicals, and don’t rely on past approvals. Doctors and pharmacists benefit from updated evidence—patients expect it. Instead of holding onto familiar ingredients, the industry can support regular reviews, transparency about what goes into medicines, and better tracking for long-term effects on patients and the environment.
I’ve seen how public concern, regulatory shifts, and ongoing science influence which ingredients survive in complex industries. Pharma-grade Triclosan has an established place in certain products, but no company can skate by without fresh review. Long-term health and environmental outcomes matter more than fast solutions. Listening to emerging science and acting on it stands as the clearest path forward.
Working in pharma supply for most of my career, I’ve seen how something as basic as packaging shapes both safety and cost. Triclosan pharma grade isn’t just another compound; it’s sensitive to moisture and light, requiring a practical layer of security from the start. Strong choices here steer finished drugs away from risk – and no company wants to tackle recalls linked to poor storage.
Most buyers stick to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers. That’s no surprise. HDPE stands up to rough handling in warehouses, blocks a fair bit of moisture, and fends off accidental blows without cracking. Standard sizes include 1 kg, 5 kg, and 25 kg, letting a lab use what it needs without opening a huge container. Tamper-evident seals on these barrels go a long way to block contamination and satisfy compliance teams during audits. Some bulk buyers choose larger, custom drums with locking rings or screw-tight lids for an extra insurance policy against spills.
Triclosan can lose strength if it soaks up too much light. This makes aluminum a smart pick for sensitive jobs. Unlike plastic, aluminum shields contents from both light and UV, making it more than just a fancy wrapper. Specialty exporters often reach for these containers when shipping overseas, where temperature swings can get wild. Plus, aluminum cans stand up during transport and don’t shed particles into the powder. These containers tend to come in smaller sizes, since they cost more than plastic—and some buyers only open them under controlled environments.
Many Indian and Chinese producers pack triclosan inside two layers of clear, food-grade polyethylene bags—then tuck those into a drum or pail. This keeps out dust or traces of oxygen. Some facilities vacuum-seal the inner layer before placing it in an outer bag, cutting the risk of moisture damage. On the downside, if these bags get a small tear, the powder can leak, so the outer container is always the last line of defense. This method adds a bit to packaging waste, but the safety trade-off makes sense, especially for stock headed to tropical climates.
Small, pharmaceutical labs doing stability tests or purity checks often request glass jars, even at higher cost. Glass stays inert—so there’s no chemical reaction at the surface—and tight seals make cross-contamination less likely. Still, glass weighs more, cracks if dropped, and isn’t an option for big shipments. It fits well for bench-scale needs rather than bulk movement.
Compliant, durable packaging protects everyone down the line—from manufacturers to pharmacists and, in the end, to patients. Regulations may feel strict or excessive, but after seeing product recalls and slow-moving investigations up close, I can say packaging upgrades aren’t just regulatory box-ticking. Investing in tamper-proof seals, moisture barriers, and impact resistance adds real value—money spent upfront means fewer emergencies later. And with environmental concerns rising, teams need to rethink recycling options and material use, without skimping on protection.
Triclosan sparks debate across public health and personal care fields. As someone who has spent significant hours in laboratory setups and distribution centers, I have seen Triclosan treated with a mix of caution and routine. There’s a simple reason: even though it seems like a straightforward antimicrobial agent, treating it lightly raises health and safety risks for staff and consumers alike.
This is a white crystalline powder. It barely dissolves in water, but readily goes into organic solvents. If this powder escapes into the open, it doesn’t just look messy; some people develop skin problems, and prolonged inhalation is best avoided by anyone who’d rather skip a trip to the clinic.
People sometimes forget, Triclosan starts breaking down in light and heat. That decomposition brings out all sorts of by-products and knocks down its effectiveness. I have seen expired drums tossed out because a warehouse manager didn’t notice they were stacked under a skylight. That burns money and time.
Triclosan belongs in well-sealed original containers. Those containers deserve a cool, dry spot. I always made sure the storage room thermometer didn’t stray above 25°C. Any higher, and the chemical starts losing its edge long before anyone notices the difference. Packing the shelves away from sunlight matters just as much. One forgotten window, and several kilograms turn yellow, taking profits and efficacy with them.
Packing materials matter. High-density polyethylene beats cardboard every time for keeping moisture and contamination out. I have watched products fail quality tests because someone tried to economize on packaging. It doesn’t pay off.
Keeping people out of harm’s way means simple, dependable routines. I’ve made it a habit to pull on nitrile gloves and a dust mask before opening any Triclosan drums. The cost of PPE feels low next to a rash, headache, or possible long-term issues. In larger settings, proper local exhaust ventilation cuts down dust exposure for everyone.
Spills get cleaned quickly with industrial wipes and discarded in chemical waste bins, never the regular trash. That habit didn’t come from a policy manual, but from seeing floors become slick and unsafe whenever people cut corners.
Every drum, regardless of size, needs a clear label showing not only what’s inside, but the date it was opened and batches. Tracking the movement prevents confusion and stops contaminated material from sneaking into the workflow.
Triclosan doesn’t belong in the sewer. As an experienced handler, I call licensed professionals for all chemical waste. It’s more than ticking a regulatory box. This keeps local water clean and avoids unforeseen fines, since environmental regulations rarely show mercy for ignorance.
Digital inventory management has become a lifesaver, letting organizations track expiry dates and storage conditions automatically. Staff training stays just as important as new tech—people need refreshers so no one gets rusty. Reliable suppliers help by providing clear storage guidelines and keeping packaging up to code.
Treating Triclosan with respect means more than phonebook compliance. It means protecting people and keeping the environment unharmed, which always pays off over time.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol |
| Other names |
Irgasan DP 300 Triclocarban Trichlorohydroxydiphenyl ether 5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol |
| Pronunciation | /ˈtraɪ.kləˌsæn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 3380-34-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | Beilstein Reference: 470613 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:9515 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL: CHEMBL1377 |
| ChemSpider | 5326 |
| DrugBank | DB08604 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b1b8f3-7b95-4bd2-987e-b1d9f6b6d05d |
| EC Number | 222-182-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 76694 |
| KEGG | C13587 |
| MeSH | D002279 |
| PubChem CID | 5564 |
| RTECS number | GV1220500 |
| UNII | 6B4861Y0TI |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | CompTox Dashboard (EPA) of product 'Triclosan BP EP USP Pharma Grade' is: **DTXSID7020182** |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C12H7Cl3O2 |
| Molar mass | 289.54 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or almost white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Faint aromatic odor |
| Density | 1.49 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 4.76 |
| Vapor pressure | <0.001 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 7.9 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 12.1 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | Diamagnetic |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.566 |
| Viscosity | 1200 CPS |
| Dipole moment | 2.92 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | Triclosan BP EP USP Pharma Grade: Std molar entropy (S⦵298) = 322 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6045 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D08AE24 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause skin irritation. Causes eye irritation. Harmful if swallowed. May cause allergic skin reaction. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H317, H319, H410 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P273, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-0-0-0 |
| Flash point | 138°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 300°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 3700 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | Oral LD50 (rat) > 3700 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | NIOSH: MN9275000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 5 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.3% |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Triclocarban Hexachlorophene Chlorhexidine Povidone-iodine Benzalkonium chloride |
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
