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INCI Name:
Chloroxylenol
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Chemical Name:
4-Chloro-3,5-Dimethylphenol (PCMX)
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CAS Number:
88-04-0
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Molecular Formula:
C₈H₉ClO
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Appearance:
White to off-white crystalline powder
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Chemical Type:
Antimicrobial Agent / Preservative Active
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Suitable For:
Antibacterial Liquid Soaps, Hand Washes, Body Washes, Cleansing Bars, Surface Disinfectant Formulations, Veterinary Hygiene Products, and Personal Care Formulations
Key Benefits:
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial ingredient
- Commonly used in antibacterial cleansing products
- Helps maintain the hygienic quality of rinse-off formulations
- Effective against a wide range of bacteria and some fungi
- Stable over a broad pH range
- Suitable for professional and household hygiene products
Benefits & Uses (Short):
- Used in antibacterial hand washes
- Ideal for antibacterial liquid soaps
- Suitable for body washes and cleansing bars
- Used in veterinary hygiene formulations
- Common ingredient in hygiene and cleansing products
Recommended Usage Level:
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Liquid Hand Washes: 0.2% – 0.5%
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Antibacterial Body Washes: 0.2% – 0.5%
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Liquid Soaps: 0.2% – 0.5%
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Cleansing Bars: 0.3% – 1.0%
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Surface Cleaning Formulations: Use according to local regulations and product requirements.
Formulation Tip: PCMX has limited water solubility and is commonly dissolved in a suitable solvent or incorporated with appropriate solubilizers before being added to the formulation. Check compatibility with your surfactant system.
How It Works (Short):
- Helps inhibit the growth of microorganisms in cleansing formulations
- Contributes to the antimicrobial performance of rinse-off hygiene products
- Performs effectively across a wide pH range
- Compatible with many surfactant systems used in personal care products
- Suitable for formulations requiring antibacterial cleansing properties
- Blends exceptionally well with Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), SLES, Coco Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, and fragrance oils
Key Benefits for Cosmetic & Hygiene Formulations:
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial active
- Suitable for rinse-off cleansing products
- Stable in various formulations
- Compatible with many surfactant systems
- Ideal for antibacterial personal care products
FAQs:
Q: What is PCMX used for?
A: PCMX (Chloroxylenol) is commonly used in antibacterial hand washes, liquid soaps, body washes, cleansing bars, and hygiene products to provide antimicrobial activity.
Q: Is PCMX a preservative?
A: PCMX is primarily used as an antimicrobial active ingredient in hygiene products. While it has antimicrobial properties, it is not a complete replacement for a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative system where preservation is required.
Q: Is PCMX water-soluble?
A: PCMX has low water solubility and is usually dissolved using suitable solvents or solubilizers before incorporation into formulations.
Q: Can PCMX be used in skincare products?
A: Yes. It is mainly used in rinse-off products such as antibacterial hand washes and body washes. Use should comply with the cosmetic regulations applicable in your target market.
Q: What ingredients blend well with PCMX?
A: Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), SLES, Coco Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, and fragrance oils.
