A synthetic chlorinated carbanilide used as an antimicrobial and preservative, regulated in Annexes III and V.
What it is
Triclocarban is a synthetic chlorinated carbanilide (a substituted urea) with three chlorine atoms on its two phenyl rings. CosIng lists it as an antimicrobial, deodorant and preservative. In the EU it is covered by entries in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions) and Annex V (allowed preservatives).
Where it is used
Found in a small number of products, such as soaps and cleansers.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits and conditions; according to the Annex V entry, mouthwash is excluded and toothpaste containing it has specific labelling requirements.
Functions
- Antimicrobial
- Preventing and/or slowing down microbial growth.
- Deodorant
- Reducing and/or eluminating unpleasant odour. Contributing against the formation of malodour on body surfaces.
- Preservative
- Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
EU regulation
- Product type
- Rinse-off products
- Maximum concentration
- 1.5%
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223
- Product type
- All cosmetic products, with the exception of mouthwash.
- Maximum concentration
- 0,2 %
- Conditions and warnings
- For toothpaste containing Triclocarban the following labelling is obligatory: ‘Not to be used for children under 6 years of age’.
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EU) 2024/996
Safety Gate alerts (EU)
1 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.
- Zakuro – Black soap (2018-11-21)
Scientific opinions (SCCS)
Opinions of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety that mention this ingredient. They assess specific uses and concentrations; read the opinion for its scope.