Concerned consumers can now view which preservatives Procter & Gamble uses in its cosmetics and consumer products.
Chemical Watch reports that the consumer products giant recently began disclosing those ingredients on its website. The site allows visitors to select from among seven categories — ranging from air fresheners and diapers to toothpaste and detergent -- and view the preservatives P&G uses in those items.
The company also included its official positions on four preservatives that generate "the most questions” from consumers: triclosan, triclocarban, parabens, isothiazolinones and formaldehyde releasers.
P&G officials said that the first three substances were shows to be safe through many studies and reviews, but conceded that experts question whether triclosan and triclocarban reduce bacteria as effectively as regular soap.
The company no longer uses triclosan and plans to eliminate triclocarban this year. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned both in soaps last year.
The increased disclosure comes as environmental advocates and consumer safety groups call for more transparency, particularly from the consumer products sector.
"We will continue to update ingredient information regularly, and follow up with those who may have specific questions about our products," P&G spokesman Scott Heid told CW.
