Green Alley raises concerns over insufficient triclosan ban

Beauty platform and distributor Green Alley has raised concerns that certain products have been allowed to retain the ingredient triclosan, which was banned by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in soaps and body washes.

Triclosan is a common antibacterial compound historically used as an ingredient in products such as lotions, soaps, face masks, body washes, and hand washes.

Triclosan was originally used to prevent bacterial contamination in clinical settings such as hospitals. It was banned in certain personal care products alongside 18 other chemicals by the FDA in September last year.

While the ban covers soaps and hand / body washes, triclosan remains legal in other personal care products such as lotions and face masks.

Green Alley said that the continuation of use will pose risks of antibiotic-resistant bacteria production and hormonal regulation imbalance.

The firm also reported studies showing that application of certain doses of triclosan to the face and body causes irritation to eyes and skin, along with increased sensitivity to allergies.

Green Alley CEO Dr DoHyun Cho said: "Consequences of long-term usage of triclosan are very real, yet its functional purpose is questionable.”

The ban is set to come into force on 6 September this year. It will give companies one month to reformulate their products.