A very strong antibacterial preservative used in many personal care products and it highly absorptive. It is used in deodorant, antibacterial soap and other cosmetic and household products. Its deodorant properties are due to the inhibition of bacterial growth. Triclosan is also bio-accumulative - it builds up in fatty tissue and can't be broken down properly. Linked to a range of health and environmental effects: Health - skin irritation, allergic reactions, antibiotic and bacterial resistance, can also form the probable human carcinogen chloroform when exposed to chlorinated water and dioxins may be formed when it is manufactured or exposed to sunlight and Environmental - commonly found contaminate in water and found in concentrated levels in fish. Also been shown to feminize fish. Dioxins, which are linked to cancer. Triclosan is listed as a pesticide by the US Environmental Protection Agency and is on Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hot List.