Hand Washing
Washing your hands with products containing triclosan any time you come into contact with potentially harmful bacteria, such as after using the bathroom, handling raw food, touching pets, gardening, or caring for the sick is a smart thing to do. Plain soap and water are not always adequate, since they do not provide long-lasting antibacterial effects. Hand washing with normal soap shows a brief reduction in germ counts on skin, but any contact with a person who is ill or objects such as door handles or hard surfaces returns germs to the skin. Triclosan works continuously for many hours staying on the skin after washing and providing an additional layer of hygienic protection.

The truth is, a majority of people simply do not wash their hands properly or as frequently as they should for good health. Hand contact to contaminated surfaces is proven to be the main way that we catch germs. Regular use of triclosan-containing products protects hands for hours. Triclosan also acts against skin inflammation and reduces the irritating effect from strong cleaning solutions.

Showering
The main reason to use triclosan based shower products - either in liquid or bar form - is to help control cornyebacteria on the skin. Cornyebacteria is the odor-causing bacteria. Triclosan based shower products provide long lasting protection from this odor causing bacteria . Plain soap and water do not provide the long-lasting antibacterial effect, and using a triclosan based product will give you the long lasting protection you require throughout the day. The secondary reason to use triclosan based shower products is to protect the skin from bacteria, like MRSA.   

Acne
Functioning alongside salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, triclosan has been shown to work effectively against Propionibacterium acnis, the generator of acne and other pimple-causing bacteria. It has been approved for use in acne washes in Europe, Austrailia, Japan and many other places around the world and is currently under review for this application in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In the US, triclosan can be used in the product as a preservative, where due to its activity against the P-acnes bacteria and its anti-inflammatory properties, it will help make the products longer lasting and milder.

Oral Care
Bacteria flourish in your mouth, on your teeth and gums. They are the cause of plaque build up and the gum disease gingivitis.  Many dental products contain triclosan for the express purpose of combating these bacteria, as well as providing clean, fresh breath. In toothpaste and mouth rinses, triclosan is proven to be the best in class in keeping damaging oral bacteria in check.