Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

PHENYL MERCURIC CHLORIDE.

Avoid CAS 100-56-1 / PRESERVATIVE

Historically employed as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, Phenyl Mercuric Chloride is a mercury compound globally recognized for its significant toxicity. Due to its health risks and ready absorption through the skin, its use in cosmetics is now largely prohibited or soon to be banned by major regulatory bodies.

Summary

Preservative Disinfectant Fungicide

Science

Mechanism of Action

Phenyl Mercuric Chloride exerts its action through its inherent toxicity as a mercury compound. It is readily absorbed into the body via the skin, where phenyl mercury can penetrate cell membranes with greater ease than inorganic mercury (Hg2+), though it is rapidly metabolized into Hg2+. This accumulation of mercury compounds in the body leads to systemic toxicity, specifically targeting the kidneys and nervous system, and can trigger skin irritation, allergic reactions, and endocrine disruption.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

While demonstrating very slight solubility in water, Phenyl Mercuric Chloride is soluble in various organic solvents such as benzene, ether, and pyridine.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Strong reducing agents
  • Strong acids

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0.007%
Pregnancy
Caution
Sensitization risk High

Phenyl Mercuric Chloride and other mercury compounds are broadly prohibited in cosmetics under EU Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. While an exception previously allowed its use as a preservative in eye products up to 0.007% (expressed as mercury), the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded in October 2025 that these levels are unsafe, leading to anticipated full prohibition. The FDA generally prohibits mercury in cosmetics, except under specific, rarely met conditions. This ingredient poses severe health risks including neurological and kidney damage, skin irritation, and allergic reactions due to its significant percutaneous absorption and systemic accumulation. It is frequently found illegally in skin-lightening and anti-aging products at extremely hazardous concentrations.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Given its profound systemic toxicity, high irritancy, ease of skin absorption, and widespread regulatory prohibition, Phenyl Mercuric Chloride should be unequivocally avoided in all skincare formulations.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…