What is it?
Bithionol (Thiobis-Dichlorophenol) is an antibacterial that was used previously in soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics. It is now banned from use in such personal care products in the United States.

How can I avoid it?
Bithionol (Thiobis-Dichlorophenol) may still be used in such products that are manufactured and sold outside the United States. It is also used in the agriculture and veterinary industries. Avoidance requires reading labels, package inserts, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and on occasion, direct communication with manufacturer that potentially uses this ingredient in products they produce.

Uses:
  • Personal care products manufactured and sold abroad. Allergic reactions often occur with sunlight exposure.
    • Cosmetics
    • Shampoos
    • Soaps
    • Deodorant
    • Surgical soaps
  • Germicide pharmaceuticals
  • Agriculture fungicides
  • Industrial cleaners
  • Veterinary antiseptic and anthelmintic (de-worming) products
  • Additive in feed and drinking water for food-producing animals
Other names for Bithionol (Thiobis-Dichlorophenol):
  • 2,2-Thiobis(4,6-dichlorophenol)
  • Actamer
  • Bis(2-Hydroxy-3,5-dicholorphenyl)-sulfide
  • Bithin
  • Lorothidol
  • TBP
  • Thiobis-dichlorophenol
  • XL-7
  • Vancide BL
  • 2,2’-Thiobis[4,6-dichlorophenol]
  • Bithinol
  • Bidiphen
  • bithionol sulfide
  • cp3438
  • 2,2’dihydroxy-3,3’,5,5’-tetrachlorodiphenylsulfide
  • 2-hydroxy-3,5-dichlorophenylsulfide
  • neopellis; Bitin; Bisoxyphen
  • Dihydroxy-3,3’,5,5’-tetrachlorodiphenyl sulfide
  • Dihydroxy-3,5,3’,5’-tetrachlorodiphenyl sulfide
  • Hydroxy-3,5-dichlorophenyl sulfide
  • Lorothiodol
  • Nobacter; Prevenol
  • Thiobis(4,6-dichlorophenol)
Potential cross-reacting/co-reacting substances:
  • Bromosalicycholoranilide (BCSA; Multifungin)
  • Buclosamid (Jadit)
  • Chloro-2-phenolphenol (Dowacide 32)
  • Dibromosalicyanilide (DBS) Dibromsalan)
  • Fenticlor-thiobis-chlorophenol
  • Hexachlorophene (pHisohex)
  • Tetrchlorosalicylanilide (TCSA)
  • Trichlorocarbanilide (TCC) (triclocarban)
  • Triclosan (Irgansan)
  • Fenticlor
  • Salicylanilides
  • Dichlorophene

How safe is it?

Hang tight. We're thinking.