Triclosan API Manufacturers & Suppliers
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Triclosan | CAS No: 3380-34-5 | GMP-certified suppliers
A medication that supports broad‑spectrum antimicrobial hygiene in consumer and clinical settings, helping reduce microbial contamination in soaps, oral care products, and healthcare hand scrubs.
Therapeutic categories
Primary indications
- Triclosan is used in a variety of common household products, including soaps, mouthwashes, dish detergents, toothpastes, deodorants, and hand sanitizers
- It is also used in health care settings in surgical scrubs and personnel hand washes
Product Snapshot
- This is a topical and oral-care antimicrobial ingredient supplied in multiple non-sterile formulations such as liquids, gels, soaps, creams, and dentifrices
- It is used for hygiene and antimicrobial applications in consumer products and healthcare hand-wash or scrub systems
- It is marketed in the US and Canada with approved uses for certain OTC formulations, while some applications remain investigational
Clinical Overview
The compound exerts bacteriostatic effects at low concentrations and becomes bactericidal at higher exposures. Its primary biochemical target is the bacterial enoyl‑acyl carrier protein reductase enzyme. By binding ENR and forming a high‑affinity ternary complex with NAD+, triclosan disrupts fatty acid synthesis, compromising cell membrane integrity. Humans lack this enzymatic pathway, which limits direct pharmacological activity in human tissues.
Systemic absorption following topical exposure is generally low but may occur depending on formulation and frequency of use. Absorbed triclosan undergoes hepatic phase II metabolism, predominantly glucuronidation and sulfation, and is eliminated mainly in urine with some fecal excretion. Accumulation is not expected with typical intermittent use, although trace systemic levels have been detected in biomonitoring studies.
Safety considerations include potential skin irritation in sensitive individuals and ongoing evaluation of ecological impact due to environmental persistence. Regulatory authorities in several regions have restricted or phased out specific consumer uses based on risk–benefit assessments, particularly where antimicrobial claims are not essential. Toxicity related to therapeutic exposure is not a clinical concern because triclosan is not used as a systemic drug, but product-specific safety limits apply to over‑the‑counter formulations.
Commercially, triclosan has appeared in various branded hygiene and household products, though market presence has decreased in some jurisdictions following regulatory actions.
For API procurement, sourcing should prioritize compliance with regional restrictions, validated impurity controls, and assurance of manufacturing practices that address potential dioxin‑related contaminants inherent to chlorinated aromatic chemistry.
Identification & chemistry
| Generic name | Triclosan |
|---|---|
| Molecule type | Small molecule |
| CAS | 3380-34-5 |
| UNII | 4NM5039Y5X |
| DrugBank ID | DB08604 |
Pharmacology
| Summary | Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that acts primarily by inhibiting the bacterial enoyl‑acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI), blocking fatty acid synthesis essential for cell membrane integrity. At higher concentrations it exhibits biocidal activity through additional cytoplasmic and membrane disruptions. Although it can interact with several human nuclear receptors in vitro, its intended activity is directed at microbial targets. |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Triclosan is a biocidal compound with multiple targets in the cytoplasm and membrane. At lower concentrations, however, triclosan appears bacteriostatic and is seen to target bacteria mainly by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis. Triclosan binds to enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase enzyme (ENR). This complex has increased affinity for NAD+ and forms a ternary complex. This complex is unable to participate in fatty acid synthesis, weakening the cell membrane and causing cell death. Humans do not have an ENR enzyme, and thus are not affected. |
Targets
| Target | Organism | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Enoyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase [NADH] FabI | Escherichia coli (strain K12) | |
| Enoyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase [NADH] | Mycobacterium tuberculosis | |
| Enoyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase [NADH] FabI | Helicobacter pylori (strain ATCC 700392 / 26695) |
ADME / PK
| Absorption | A study conducted in 2000 demonstrated that low amounts of triclosan can be absorbed through skin and can enter the bloodstream.Triclosan is rapidly absorbed and distributed in the human body.Maximum concentrations are reached within three hours after oral intake. However, the metabolism and excretion of the compound is fast. |
|---|---|
| Half-life | The terminal plasma half life of triclosan is 21 h. |
| Metabolism | Triclosan is prone to phase II metabolism via sulfotransferase and glucuronosyltransferase enzymes (Wang et al., 2004). In humans the resulting conjugates are excreted primarily in urine. |
| Route of elimination | In one study, after in vivo topical application of a 64.5mM alcoholic solution of [(3)H]triclosan to rat skin, 12% radioactivity was recovered in the faeces, 8% in the carcass 1% in the urine, 30% in the stratum corneum and 26% was rinsed from the skin surface at 24 hours after application. |
Formulation & handling
- Triclosan is a small-molecule antimicrobial used primarily in topical and oral‑care formulations, with negligible aqueous solubility requiring solubilizers or surfactant systems for liquid products.
- High logP supports incorporation into emulsions, gels, soaps, and surfactant-rich systems; crystalline solid API may need micronization or melting/dispersing steps for uniform distribution.
- Stable under typical formulation conditions but sensitive to photodegradation and oxidation, so protect from strong UV and formulate with appropriate antioxidants and opaque packaging when needed.
Regulatory status
| Lifecycle | Patent protection in the US and Canada has lapsed or is approaching expiry, indicating that the API is moving into a post‑exclusivity phase. Both markets are therefore characterized by a mature competitive environment with increasing availability of generics. |
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| Markets | Canada, US |
|---|
Supply Chain
| Supply chain summary | Triclosan is an established antimicrobial ingredient supplied by multiple manufacturers, with no single originator company dominating its production. Branded and private‑label formulations are widely available in North American markets such as the US and Canada. Patent protections have long expired, so the supply landscape consists of mature, fully generic competition. |
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Safety
| Toxicity | Oral LD50, Rat: 3700 mg/kg; Dermal LD50, Rabbit: 9300 mg/kg |
|---|
- Low acute toxicity by oral and dermal routes (oral LD50, rat: ~3700 mg/kg
- Dermal LD50, rabbit: ~9300 mg/kg), but handling protocols should account for potential irritation at higher exposures
- May cause skin or eye irritation
Good Manufacturing Practices
Active pharmaceutical ingredients are made in GMP-certified manufacturing facilities. GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices and is the main standard in the pharmaceutical industry. cGMP or Current GMP means that the company complies with the most recent requirements/version of GMP. The WHO has its own guideline for GMP, the World Health Organization or WHO GMP. The authority that has audited the company can also be from a country like China (Chinese GMP) or from the EU (EU GMP), every authority has different GMP requirements.
Triclosan is a type of Disinfectants
Disinfectants are a crucial subcategory of pharmaceutical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) that play a vital role in maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of harmful microorganisms. These chemical agents are designed to eliminate or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens on various surfaces and objects.
Pharmaceutical-grade disinfectants are formulated to meet stringent quality standards and are commonly used in hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and other healthcare settings. They are also utilized in the food and beverage industry, as well as in households, to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene.
Disinfectants typically contain active ingredients such as quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorine compounds, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol, which have been proven effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. These active ingredients work by disrupting the cell membranes or enzymatic processes of the pathogens, rendering them incapable of replication and causing their eventual destruction.
When selecting a disinfectant, factors such as the intended application, target microorganisms, and compatibility with the surfaces or objects being treated need to be considered. It is crucial to follow proper usage instructions and adhere to recommended contact times for effective disinfection.
In conclusion, disinfectants are essential pharmaceutical APIs used to control and prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms. Their efficacy in eliminating pathogens makes them indispensable in maintaining cleanliness and ensuring public health and safety.
Triclosan (Disinfectants), classified under Antidotes, Deterrents, and Toxicologic Agents
Antidotes, Deterrents, and Toxicologic Agents are an important category of pharmaceutical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) that play a critical role in healthcare and toxicology. These substances are designed to counteract the effects of poisons, toxins, and overdoses, thereby saving lives and preventing severe health consequences.
Antidotes are substances that neutralize the toxic effects of certain drugs, chemicals, or poisons. They work by either directly binding to the toxic substance or by blocking its harmful actions on the body. Antidotes are administered in emergency situations to quickly reverse the effects of poisoning and restore normal physiological functions.
Deterrents, on the other hand, are pharmaceutical agents used to discourage or prevent harmful behaviors, such as substance abuse. They are designed to make the ingestion or misuse of certain substances unpleasant or less desirable. Deterrents can be formulated to cause unpleasant side effects, such as nausea or vomiting, when a particular substance is consumed in excessive amounts.
Toxicologic agents encompass a broad range of pharmaceutical APIs used in toxicology studies and research. These substances are employed to investigate the toxicity, metabolism, and mechanisms of action of various chemicals and compounds. Toxicologic agents are vital for understanding the potential hazards and risks associated with certain substances, ensuring the safety of drugs, and developing effective treatments for poisoning cases.
In conclusion, Antidotes, Deterrents, and Toxicologic Agents are essential categories of pharmaceutical APIs that address poisoning emergencies, deter harmful behaviors, and enable toxicological research. Their development and availability are crucial for safeguarding public health, enhancing patient care, and advancing our understanding of toxicology.
Triclosan API manufacturers & distributors
Compare qualified Triclosan API suppliers worldwide. We currently have 5 companies offering Triclosan API, with manufacturing taking place in 3 different countries. Use the table below to review supplier type, countries of origin, certifications, product portfolio and GMP audit availability.
| Supplier | Type | Country | Product origin | Certifications | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASF | Producer | Germany | Unknown | CoA, GMP, USDMF | 18 products |
| Caesar & Loretz GmbH (CAE... | Distributor | Germany | Unknown | BSE/TSE, CoA, GMP, ISO9001, MSDS | 211 products |
| Kumar Organic | Producer | India | India | CoA, GMP, USDMF, WC | 3 products |
| Pharm Rx Chemical Corp | Distributor | United States | China | BSE/TSE, CoA, GMP, MSDS, USDMF | 166 products |
| Unnati Pharmaceuticals Pv... | Distributor | India | India | CoA | 70 products |
When sending a request, specify which Triclosan API quality you need: for example EP (Ph. Eur.), USP, JP, BP, or another pharmacopoeial standard, as well as the required grade (base, salt, micronised, specific purity, etc.).
Use the list above to find high-quality Triclosan API suppliers. For example, you can select GMP, FDA or ISO certified suppliers. Visit our help page to learn more about sourcing APIs via Pharmaoffer.
