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Moumoujus

P-CHLORO-M-CRESOL.

Avoid CAS 59-50-7 / ANTIMICROBIAL, PRESERVATIVE

P-Chloro-m-Cresol (PCMC) is a phenolic compound primarily utilized in skincare as an antimicrobial and preservative. While effective at low concentrations, its formulation requires extreme precision due to significant regulatory restrictions and a notable potential for skin irritation and enhanced dermal penetration of other ingredients.

Summary

Antimicrobial Preservative

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a phenolic preservative, P-Chloro-m-Cresol exerts its antimicrobial effect by disrupting bacterial cell membranes. This leads to cytoplasmic leakage, particularly of potassium and phosphate ions, and dissipates the proton motive force, thereby inhibiting ATP synthesis essential for bacterial survival. Additionally, this ingredient is known to potentially increase the skin's permeability to other topically applied agents.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.2–0.2%
Optimal

0.2%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated efficacy as a bactericide in handwash applications.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.2%
Red flag below
2%

Despite its preservative function, P-Chloro-m-Cresol is subject to stringent regulatory limits due to safety concerns. Europe and Japan restrict its use to a maximum of 0.2% as a preservative, while the CIR deems it safe up to 0.5% but specifically to prevent chemical leukoderma. Canada has classified it as potentially hazardous to human health. A concentration of 2% is documented to cause human skin irritation, highlighting a narrow margin between efficacy and adverse effects. The potential to enhance the penetration of other ingredients also mandates careful formulation.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4 – 12
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient maintains stability across a wide pH range, from 4.0 to 12.0, offering flexibility in product formulation.

Conflicts

  • May increase the dermal penetration of other cosmetic ingredients, which necessitates careful consideration during formulation to manage overall product absorption and potential systemic exposure.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.5%
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that P-Chloro-m-Cresol was safe for cosmetic use at concentrations up to 0.5%, with this limitation chosen to prevent chemical leukoderma. However, its use in cosmetics is restricted in Europe (EU Cosmetic Regulation Annex V) and Japan to a maximum of 0.2% as a preservative. The FDA also regulates its application. Furthermore, the Canadian government classified it as potentially dangerous to human health in 2021 due to inadequate exposure margins, reinforcing the need for cautious and restricted use.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

P-Chloro-m-Cresol is a questionable ingredient for precision skincare due to its high irritancy potential at higher concentrations, strict international regulatory limits (0.2% in EU/Japan), and its ability to enhance the dermal penetration of other cosmetic ingredients, leading to significant safety concerns.

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