• Broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity
• Widely used in medicated soaps, antiseptic creams, and hand washes
• Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
• Stabilizes cosmetic formulations by preventing microbial contamination
• Ideal for deodorants and anti-odor products

Chloroxylenol (PCMX) is a synthetic antimicrobial compound used extensively in personal care and healthcare products. Known for its germicidal and antifungal effects, it is especially effective in antiseptic soaps, surgical scrubs, hand sanitizers, and deodorants. Its safety profile and broad efficacy make it a go-to preservative booster in leave-on and rinse-off applications. PCMX also provides odor control in foot care and underarm products, making it a key ingredient in multi-functional hygiene formulations.

INCI Name: Chloroxylenol

CAS Number: 88-04-0

Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and non-polar solvents

Add Phase: Cool-down phase below 40°C

pH Stability: Effective between pH 4.5 – 9.0

Processing Temperature: < 40°C

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder

Odor: Slightly medicinal

Molecular Formula: C₈H₉ClO

Molecular Weight: 156.61 g/mol

Flash Point: 114°C

Density: ~1.2 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Phenolic compound / Antimicrobial

Functional Groups: Phenol, Chlorinated aromatic ring

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Antimicrobial agent, deodorizing active, preservative booster

• Usage Rate: 0.3% – 0.5%
• Phase: Add during cool-down phase under 40°C
• Ideal For: Antiseptic Soaps, Deodorants, Hand Washes, Foot Creams, Anti-Itch Products

🧴 Add PCMX below 40°C during cool-down to maintain its antimicrobial power. Ideal for post-wash sanitizing or deodorizing products when you need long-lasting microbial protection.

✔️ Suitable for most skin types in rinse-off formulas

⚠️ May cause irritation at high levels in leave-on applications; patch testing recommended

1. Medicated Liquid Hand Wash

Add 0.3% PCMX with surfactants and glycerin for a germicidal, non-drying hand cleanser.

2. Antifungal Foot Cream

Combine PCMX with zinc oxide, menthol, and aloe extract in a thick foot balm for odor and fungal control.

3. Antiseptic Soap Bar

Add to melt-and-pour or syndet base to create antibacterial bathing bars.

4. Deodorant Roll-On

Include 0.4% in an aluminum-free formula for anti-odor and microbial protection.

5. Anti-Itch Lotion

Pair with calamine and salicylic acid for a multi-active calming and antibacterial lotion.

Serums
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suitable for sensitive areas or leave-on facial serums.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Acceptable in foot creams and medicated lotions.



Toners
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Can be harsh in watery leave-on formats.



Face Masks
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Use in wash-off masks only.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Works well in antiseptic facial and body washes.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Optional in scalp treatments for dandruff control.



Deodorants
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Controls odor-causing bacteria effectively.



Eye Creams
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Avoid near eyes.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Useful in anti-dandruff or scalp cleansing shampoos.



Soaps
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Very effective in antibacterial soaps.



Conditioners
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – May disrupt conditioning systems.



Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Avoid ingestion.



Body Butters
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Acceptable in targeted foot or underarm applications.



Ointments
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Useful in antifungal and antibacterial ointments.

Q1: Is PCMX a preservative?

A1: It’s primarily an antimicrobial active, but also boosts the effect of traditional preservatives.

Q2: Is it safe for daily use?

A2: Yes, in rinse-off or low-percentage applications (≤0.5%). Avoid frequent high-dose leave-on use on sensitive skin.

Q3: Can it be used with essential oils?

A3: Yes, PCMX is compatible with EO-based formulations and enhances their antimicrobial effects.

Q4: Does it prevent fungal growth?

A4: Yes, it is effective against fungi, mold, and yeasts along with bacteria.

Q5: Can I use it in kids’ products?

A5: Use cautiously; not recommended for baby care or very sensitive skin unless advised by a formulator.