Oncologist Nazliev told which washing powder can cause skin cancer. He wrote about it on his blog.. - It may surprise you that the laundry detergent you use to clean your clothes can cause skin cancer. One of the main culprits that laundry detergent can cause skin cancer is a chemical called triclosan.. He recalled that triclosan is used as a preservative in many detergents, as well as in other products such as toothpaste, soap and even toys.. Triclosan is a chemical that appears as a white powder, odorless or with a very slight odor. It is an antibacterial and antifungal agent that stops or slows the growth of microbes such as bacteria and mold.. – Unfortunately, triclosan has been linked to various health problems, including skin cancer.. When triclosan is exposed to sunlight, it can break down into other chemicals, including dioxins.. Dioxins are highly toxic and have been linked to various types of cancer, including skin cancer.. In addition, triclosan can be absorbed through the skin, which can also lead to an increased risk of cancer, the oncologist wrote..