Officials in Minnesota passed a controversial law that requires manufacturers to phase out their current inventory of germ-fighting agents at the beginning of the year. Major producers of triclosan-free products have already begun reducing their current inventory levels in stores.
Triclosan is a well-known additive in some deodorants, toothpaste, and antibacterial soaps. Critics of antiseptic agents point to studies that suggest Triclosan disrupts the normal function of the thyroid and hormonal processes in humans.