11 Best Triclosan-free Soaps Every Home Needs In 2023
Retain the good bacteria in your skin and keep it hydrated and dirt-free with these soaps.
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and has 3 years of experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the... more
Image: Shutterstock
The best triclosan-free soaps are what you need for your skin. Triclosan destroys the good bacteria of your body. It has also been found that triclosan crosses your skin’s natural barrier to collect in your bodily fluids and disrupt hormone regulation. With time, we have become more and more conscious of what we put on our skin. While we select the choicest of products, it is important to pay attention to our basic needs like the soaps we use. Triclosan can be found in most hand washes and gels. So, read the ingredients label closely before adding the next soap (in any form) to your shopping cart. Although triclosan is an antiseptic and kills off bacteria, it is advised not to invest in soaps with triclosan because it cannot differentiate between good and bad bacteria in your body.
The market is overflowing with brands offering different soaps. But, the ingredients used to make most soaps include a long list of harmful ingredients such as triclosan, petroleum, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, ureas, PEG compounds, and synthetic fragrances. Honestly, the list is nauseatingly long! These ingredients are harmful to your skin in multiple ways and also strip your skin’s natural moisture to make it dry and dehydrated. Although these soaps effectively wash the dirt and grime off our bodies, they are extremely rough on our skin and must be avoided at all costs!
In this article, we have listed the best triclosan-free soaps to help you select the safest products for your skin. So, go ahead and check them out now!
In This Article
Get A Health Upgrade With Our Favorite Triclosan-free Soaps!
Best Gentle:Solimo Clear Liquid Hand Soap
This Clear Liquid Hand Soap from Solimo will leave you with luxuriously smoother and softer hands to make you the envy of your manicure lady. Free of triclosan, parabens, and phthalates, this Amazon brand meets most of the hand soap no-no’s checklist any proactive millennial may carry. The formula is uber moisturizing to help hydrate dry, dull skin while creating a rich and soft lather to cleanse away any stubborn dirt. The fresh floral fragrance of the Clear Liquid Hand Soap is flirty and fun, but Solimo also offers other lovely fragrances such as Milk and Honey, Mango and Coconut Water, Pear, and Coconut and Ginger scent in their triclosan-free hand soap line!
Pros
- Gentle and mild liquid soap
- For dry and sensitive skin
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Contains sodium lauryl sulfate
Best Synthetic Fragrance-Free:Everyone 3-In-1 Soap
Everybody loves a multi-tasker, and nobody does it better than Everyone’s 3-in-1 soap! Serving as a body wash, shampoo, and bubble bath (swoon!), this do-it-all cleanser lets you simplify the conventionally complicated bathing routine by doing more with a lot less. Formulated with premium essential oils and plant-based elixirs like vitamin E to nourish and smoothen skin, Everyone promises you a triclosan-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and synthetic fragrance-free experience. What’s more, you also get to choose from a range of delicious flavors such as woodsy Cedar and Citrus, tropical Coconut and Lemon, soothing Lavender and Aloe, refreshing Citrus and Mint, and sultry sweet Vanilla and Lavender. Yum!
Pros- Triple duty gel
- Vegan and hypoallergenic
- Great lather
Cons
- Packaging may vary
Best Hypoallergenic:Puracy Natural Foaming Hand Soap
Made with aromatic French lavenders, Mexican vanilla beans, and gentle balsamic and Indonesian clove undercurrents to produce a sweet and buttery blend, the Puracy Natural Foaming Hand Soap is a whopping 99.4% natural! Free of sulfates and triclosan, this non-toxic, plant-based, and hypoallergenic formula provides a rich foaming lather to effectively clean dirt while leaving your hands softer and smoother with the fortification of skin elixirs like aloe and vitamin E. Puracy has also redesigned their bottle to provide you an easy and clog-free experience with every single pump. Made by doctors and free of all harsh chemicals, each 8.5 fl oz bottle can clean 600 hands.
Pros
- For sensitive skin
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Child and pet-safe
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Watery consistency
Best For All Skin Type:DermaKleen Hand Sanitizing Lotion Soap
If you’re looking for an effective antibacterial soap without triclosan, DermaKleen is here to save the day! This powerful antiseptic lotion soap is your best bet at stopping the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, while the gentle formula is safe on every skin type be it oily or dry. Free of desiccating alcohol, it additionally contains chloroxylenol— a nifty compound that prevents one’s hands from drying out like they usually do with traditional sanitizers incorporating alcohol. Fortified with the skin-nourishing properties of vitamin E, DermaKleen not only cleanses like a pro, but also moisturizes and softens your hands. Capable of killing 99% of germs, it is designed for medical facilities like hospitals and clinics, and not just homes.
Pros- Safe antibacterial soap
- Mild on skin
- Medical-grade hand soap
Cons
- Very mild scent
Best Plant-Based Formula:Seventh Generation Free & Clean Hand Wash
Life may be complicated, but Seventh Generation’s Free and Clean Hand Wash sure ain’t! Designed for families and those with sensitive skin prone to rashes and hypersensitivity reactions, this natural formula contains zero dyes, fragrances, triclosan, chlorine or phthalates. Hypoallergenic and plant-based, this gentle hand wash gives a rich lather to effectively clean grimy hands and is ideal for parents looking for a non-toxic option to surround their adventurous toddlers with, at home. What’s more, each 12 fl oz bottle possesses a sophisticated, clear packaging that beautifully and effortlessly complements any bathroom counter or kitchen sink.
Pros- Unscented plain soap
- 97% bio-based formula
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not moisturizing
Pro TipFollow up with Seventh Generation Moisturizing Lotion to keep the hands hydrated and nourished.
Best For Sensitive Skin:Earth Mama Sweet Orange Baby Wash
Free of artificial fragrances, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and triclosan, this baby wash made with authentic Castile soap by Earth Mama is designed to be as gentle and loving to your little one’s delicate skin as his mother’s embrace. Unlike detergent-based soaps that contain icky emulsifiers, surfactants, and preservatives, Castile soap is real soap! A saponified and organic blend of acids and bases which naturally produce a luxuriously thick foam safe for babies of all ages. Additionally, with synthetic-free scents like calming lavender, creamy vanilla, and sweet orange, bath time doesn’t get any more yummier than this! But, if you prefer a more hypoallergenic route for your little tyke, Earth Mama also offers an extra gentle unscented option.
Pros- For sensitive skin
- Contains vitamin E
- Comes in unscented and scented varieties
Cons
- Will sting eyes, use carefully
Did You Know?Melinda Olson, an herbalist, is the owner and founder of Earth Mama. She established the brand in 2002 by creating and sharing products made from self-grown herbs.
Best Cruelty-Free:EO Hand Soap: French Lavender
Pamper your skin with some revitalizing aromatherapy brought to you by the veteran artists of scent— EO Hand Soaps! Made with organic botanicals and an uber-nourishing plant-based formula, this essential oils hand soap will brighten the gloomiest of your days. Free of hand soap ingredient no-no’s like parabens, sulfates, triclosan and artificial fragrances, this foam hand wash creates a luxury lather to fight dirt and odor. With its iconic scents like soothing French Lavender, refreshing Lemon and Eucalyptus, spa-worthy Peppermint and Tea Tree, and delicious Orange Blossom Vanilla, you can now experience magically meditative moments of pure self-care with every wash of your hands!
Pros- No synthetic fragrance
- Cruelty-free and gluten-free
- A little product goes a long way
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Best Biodegradable:Gojo Premium Foam Handwash
Give your hands and environment the gentle care they deserve with Gojo Premium Foam Handwash. It is made using plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the skin. The handwash has a cranberry scent and is self-lathering. The non-drying formula of the handwash eliminates germs from your hands without any irritation.
Pros- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Triclosan-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- USDA Certified Biobased and Ecology Certified
Cons
None
Best Vegan:Kosmatology Organic Foaming Hand Soap
Kosmatology understands that if you have a home full of children, you’d rather not dunk their hands in solutions of harmful chemicals every day. This is why they formulated their premium foaming hand wash soaps the old-fashioned way by incorporating the highest quality of beloved organic oils like olive, safflower, and coconut (you bet your ancestors are feeling proud!). Free of triclosan, thickening agents, and perfumes, this delightful concoction comes in scrumptious scents like Goody-Goody Grapefruit, Lemon Lovers, Orange Sweetness, Herbal Freshness (spearmint and rosemary), and Botanical Bliss (lavender and eucalyptus).
Pros- PETA certified vegan and cruelty-free
- Paraben and sulphate-free
- Gentle and organic
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Best Antibacterial:NXN Antibacterial Hand Soap: Mountain Rain
Another wonderful antimicrobial candidate, NXN’s Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap contains the active ingredient of benzalkonium chloride that is used in the healthcare setting for killing pathological strains of bacteria. Free of triclosan, polyethylene, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, mineral oil, dyes, and gluten, this moisturizing formula is ideal for the everyday protection of your family and you. Aside from the rejuvenating scent of Mountain Rain, this triclosan-free antibacterial soap line also comes in delicious fragrances like Lemon Ginger and Sweet Grapefruit.
Pros- Kills 99.9% of germs
- Gentle on skin and safe
- Smells wonderful
Cons
- Synthetic fragrance
Best Unscented:Better Life Natural Hand and Body Soap
Take care of your hands by cleaning it with the Better Life Natural Hand and Body Soap. It is formulated using plant-based ingredients like aloe and vitamin E, and is gentle on your skin and the planet. Its non-toxic formula makes it safe not only for humans but also for marine life. The soap hydrates and protects the hands and naturally soothes the skin.
Pros- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Phlalate-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Triclosan-free
- Dye-free
Cons
None
Enjoyed our triclosan-free products list? In that case, take a quick peek at our handy buying guide for tips on choosing the best soaps without triclosan to match your everyday personal or household needs. Read on!
A Proactive Guide To Buying Triclosan-free Soaps!
How To Choose Triclosan-Free Soap
The market is saturated with more hand soaps than is conceivable. And while most brands in the US have reformulated their soaps to ditch the FDA-banned triclosan and triclocarban, it is prudent to always ensure this by checking the manufacturing date and ingredients’ list on any soap prior to purchase. If you can’t find any information on the packaging, you can always visit the company’s website for a more comprehensive accounting of the ingredients.
Which Triclosan-Free Soap Is Best For Your Needs?
Once you’ve established that you’ve got your hands on a genuine triclosan-free soap, you must then ask yourself what purpose the soap will serve in your home or place of work in order to know if it is the right choice for you. The majority of triclosan-free soaps fall under one of two categories: ones that offer a luxuriously fragrant and stylish washing experience, or those that focus mostly on killing germs and optimizing hygiene. The following tips will help in your search:
- If it’s the former that suits you, keep an eye out for soaps which incorporate natural oils and botanical ingredients. Such hand soaps are more likely to have a thicker formula with a relatively creamier base that feels indulgently smooth and soft within your palms.
- But if it is a triclosan-free soap to effectively combat grime, dirt and odor that you desire, look for water-based hand soaps with a clean and crisp citrus scent. Such formulas can counteract any dirt or bacteria residing on your hands while simultaneously preventing your skin from drying out too much. Alternatively, a foaming hand soap without triclosan can also achieve the same.
- It is important to note that if you possess sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic and natural, non-toxic formulas, preferably free of synthetic scent or wholly unscented.
- Lastly, if it is a no-rinse soap that you search for, select a hand soap formula with a minimum of 70% alcohol (read: hand sanitizer without triclosan) to quickly strike all germs. It is recommended that one avoids using these too frequently without a moisturizer, however, as they are prone to drying out the hands.
Infographic: Trivia About Triclosan-Free Soaps: History & Facts
Many health- and skin-conscious people have switched to triclosan-free soaps to protect their skin from irritation and allergic reactions. However, the change did not happen in a single day. Doctors have carried out several studies to understand the negative impacts of the ingredient ever since its advent in 1966. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The infographic below throws light on the history of triclosan and how consumers eventually began using triclosan-free soaps. Scroll down to check it out!
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic
The FDA ban on triclosan is here to stay! It has been found that triclosan has its own shortcomings involving hormone dysregulation, immune system damage, and the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that are too harmful to be ignored. Triclosan-free alternatives are already there in the market, but not every soap devoid of the antibacterial agent is a good choice. Many triclosan-free soaps help hydrate dull skin while gently cleansing it. Products that are triclosan-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and synthetic fragrance-free must be chosen, keeping in mind that these soaps are made with natural ingredients, including premium essential oils and vitamin E that nourish your skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a skin care aficionado. She believes almost all skin care troubles can be improved if you know of the right products. Her in-depth study and strong knowledge about the latest products and trends have helped her prepare the list of the best triclosan-free soaps. These soaps are dermatologist tested, gentle, and mild.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is triclosan in soap?
Triclosan is a chemical that helps kill bacteria. For decades, it has been added to personal hygiene antibacterial products like hand soaps, toothpastes, body washes, and even cosmetics.
What soaps have triclosan in them?
Most antibacterial soaps contain triclosan. You must always check the ingredients list before purchase.
Why did the FDA ban triclosan hand soap?
The Food and Drug Administration declared in 2023 that triclosan was no longer recognized as effective and safe for antiseptic products used in medical facilities. The year prior to that, the FDA had already banned triclosan-containing consumer antiseptic soaps as they deemed the manufacturers couldn’t prove triclosan’s safety for daily use in the long term.
What are the hand soap ingredients to avoid?
Experts recommend avoiding soaps that contain triclosan and toxic ingredients like parabens, ureas, triclocarban, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, diethanolamine, dioxane, formaldehyde, PEG compounds, and synthetic fragrances.
Does Softsoap have triclosan?
The Softsoap liquid hand soap has been reformulated to remove triclosan. However, always check the ingredients list prior to purchase.
Does Dove soap contain triclosan?
In 2023, Dove decided to remove triclosan and triclocarban from their soaps. However, always check the ingredients list prior to purchase.
Does Dial soap contain triclosan?
After the FDA ban, Dial replaced triclosan and triclocarban with benzethonium chloride in their liquid hand wash, and benzalkonium chloride in the bar soaps. However, always check the ingredients list prior to purchase.
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