What it is
A chlorinated diphenyl urea antimicrobial.
What it does
Bacteriostatic agent in deodorant soaps and some cosmetics.
Why it’s a concern
Banned by FDA in consumer antiseptic soaps in 2016 alongside triclosan. Animal studies show triclocarban enhances testosterone-dependent tissue growth, suggesting endocrine activity. Persistent in wastewater and sediment, with uptake documented in aquatic food chains.
Also known as
TCC3,4,4’-trichlorocarbanilide
CAS numbers
101-20-2
Commonly found in
antibacterial soap (pre-2016)deodorant
Safer alternatives
- plain soap and water
Sources
- FDA Final Rule 2016
- Chen et al. 2008, Endocrinology