Chloroxylenol (PCMX)
What is it?
Chloroxylenol is a biocide (kills bacteria) primarily used in medications and certain household products with disinfectant properties. It is also used as a preservative in cooling fluids, creams, topical and urinary antiseptics, pharmaceutical products, and cosmetics.
How can I avoid it?
Skin contact with Chloroxylenol is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing Chloroxylenol should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use, have ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it. Check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient. If there is no information ask, your pharmacist or call the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential source of exposure.
Uses:
• Adhesives and glues
• Cooling fluid preservative
• Skin care products/Cosmetics
- Feminine spray
- Hair sprays, gels, tonics, and lotions
- Foot cream
- Make-up
- Moisturizers and lotions
- Shaving cream
- Powders/Sprays
- Shampoos/Conditioners
- Soaps, handwash, wipes, scrubs
- Soaps/Cleansers
- Sunscreens and self-tanners
• Baby powder
• Bath products
• Carbolated petroleum jelly
• Electrocardiogram gels
• Household/Hospital disinfectants and instrument cleaner
• Inks
• Medicated products
- Acne creams
- Antibacterial soaps
- Antiseptics
- Contraceptive douches
- First aid jellies and sprays
- Over the counter medications
- Pharmaceutical products
- Prescription corticosteroids
- Wound cleansers
- Urinary antiseptics
• Metal working fluids
• Paints and varnishes
• Textile finishes
• Pesticides
Other names for Chloroxylenol:
• 4-Chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol
• 4-Chloro-3,5-xylenol
• Benzytol
• Dettol
• Husept extra
• Nipacide PX
• Ottasept
• Para-Chlorometaxylenol
• P-Chloro-m-xylenol
• PCMX
• Chlorodimethylhydroxybenzene
