murphyDichlorophene
AKA: 97-23-4, Didroxane, Anthiphen, Parabis, Dicestal, Dichlorofen, Dichlorphen, Trivex
Synthetic
Preservative
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from chlorinated phenolic compounds, a class of halogenated organic chemicals used in antimicrobial formulations. Produced through chlorination of 2,2'-thiobis(4,6-dichlorophenol) or related phenolic precursors under controlled chemical conditions.
Dichlorophen is a nontoxic laxative vermicide of chlorinated phenol compound. Dichlorophen is used as a veterinary fungicide, anthelmintic, and anti-protozoan, as well as an ingredient in antimicrobial soaps and shampoos. This agent probably acts by increasing the clearing of intestinal contents, thereby eradicating tapeworm infections from the intestines.
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C13H10Cl2O2
Mol. Weight
269.12
CAS #
97-23-4
Form
Powder
State
Dichlorophene appears as white slightly cream or light pink-colored powder. Melting point 177 °C. Slight phenolic odor and a saline phenolic taste. Moderately toxic. Used as a fungicide and bactericid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Deodorant
Fights Bacteria
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Insufficient data
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 284)
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions severe (CIR 284)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
6 studies / 3 irritating / 2 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 284)
Mixed Sensitization Results
6 studies / 2 sensitizing / 1 mixed / 3 not sensitizing / plus 2 case reports (CIR 284)
Concentration Guide
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 0.5%
EU regulatory limit: 0.5%. Contains Dichlorophen Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 11.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR