Australian manufacturers are following the US regulatory lead, voluntarily reformulating anti-bacterial soaps without recourse to controversial ingredient triclosan, according to a report published by The New Daily.

The ABC contacted several manufacturers to ask for their current position on the use of triclosan, with Johnson & Johnson revealing that it was ‘exploring options for the reformulation of Gamophen, ensuring it continues to deliver the same quality benefits for consumers’.

Colgate-Palmolive, Woolworths, Aldi and Reckitt Benckiser all confirmed that they would eliminate those chemicals that have recently been banned in the US from Australian soap products within the next 12 months.

Reckitt Benckiser told ABC that, while none of its liquid products contain the controversial anti-bacterial agents, its Dettol bar soap is formulated with triclocarban, in compliance with local regulations, adding ‘By the end of 2017 none of our formulations will contain TCC’.