The ingredient, explained

Chloroxylenol

Research examined CHLOROXYLENOL under the stated study conditions.

AntimicrobialDeodorantPreservative

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Phenol, 4-chloro-3‚5-dimethyl-

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Antimicrobial: A technical role associated with controlling microorganisms on skin.
Deodorant: Helps reduce or mask unwanted body odour.
Preservative: Helps inhibit microbial growth in the cosmetic product.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human topical treatment study

Chloroxylenol and zinc oxide cream reduced acne lesion counts more than its vehicle.

What this does not tell us

41 completed, 8 weeks, two active ingredients. Similar results to benzoyl peroxide do not prove equivalence or isolate chloroxylenol. Medical acne treatment does not establish general cosmetic benefit.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 10671963 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Review supplied candidate titles and available abstracts selectively for exact identity; targeted primary PubMed/publisher searches. This is not an exhaustive systematic review.