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Moumoujus

PHENYL MERCURIC ACETATE.

Avoid CAS 62-38-4 / PRESERVATIVE

Phenyl Mercuric Acetate is an organomercury compound historically recognized for its potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. While it effectively functioned as a preservative against fungal and bacterial growth, its severe toxicity led to its widespread prohibition in modern cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Summary

Preservative Antimicrobial Fungicide Bactericide Antitranspirant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient acts as an antimicrobial agent, exhibiting both fungicidal and bactericidal effects, and also demonstrates antitranspirant properties. Its toxicity in biological systems is primarily attributed to its rapid metabolic breakdown into the highly toxic mercuric ion.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range 0.002–0.125%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Historically used as a preservative in drug preparations, eye drops, and general cosmetic products at concentrations ranging from 0.002% to 0.125%.
  2. 02 Formerly employed in vaginal suppositories and jellies at 0.02%, and in vaginal tablets at 3 mg.
  3. 03 Reported for preservative use in overseas cosmetic products at concentrations up to 0.007%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Phenyl Mercuric Acetate is not an ingredient commonly 'dusted' or overused in contemporary skincare. Its extreme toxicity and widespread regulatory prohibitions mean it is no longer considered safe or appropriate for cosmetic formulations, rendering the concept of a beneficial dusting threshold irrelevant.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Generally stable under normal laboratory storage conditions. However, in eye drop formulations, its concentration was observed to decrease significantly (40-90%) after 100 days when stored at ambient temperature in polyethylene containers; this degradation was inhibited by the presence of phosphate buffers.

Conflicts

  • Halides (forms precipitates)
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Strong acids
  • Strong bases

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

Phenyl Mercuric Acetate is classified as extremely toxic, posing significant risks through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. It is a potent skin irritant, capable of causing severe erythema, blistering, and allergic reactions such as contact urticaria syndrome. It is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, with a danger of cumulative effects and potential organ damage from prolonged or repeated exposure. Animal studies suggest it may cause toxicity to human reproduction or development. Consequently, its use in cosmetic products is largely prohibited, notably in the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex II, Part 1.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its historical utility as an effective broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative, Phenyl Mercuric Acetate's extreme toxicity and severe risks to human health necessitate its complete avoidance in modern skincare formulations.

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