m-Cresol

AKA: 3-methylphenol, 108-39-4, Metacresol, Phenol, 3-hydroxytoluene, Meta-cresol, M-methylphenol, 3-cresol, M-kresol
Synthetic
Preservative
Fragrance
Safety Concern
Not Clean
m-Cresol is an isomer of p-cresol and o-cresol. Cresols are organic compounds which are methylphenols. They are a widely occurring natural and manufactured group of aromatic organic compounds which are categorized as phenols (sometimes called phenolics). Depending on the temperature, cresols can be solid or liquid because they have melting points not far from room temperature. Like other types of phenols, they are slowly oxidized by long exposure to air and the impurities often give cresols a yellowish to brownish red tint. Cresols have an odor characteristic to that of other simple phenols, reminiscent to some of a medicine smell. Cresol solutions are used as household cleaners and disinfectants, perhaps most famously under the trade name Lysol. In the past, cresol solutions have been used as antiseptics in surgery, but they have been largely displaced in this role by less toxic compounds. Lysol was also advertised as a disinfecting vaginal douche in mid-twentieth century America. Cre
Solubility 10 to 50 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C7H8O
Mol. Weight
108.14
CAS #
108-39-4
Form
Liquid
State
M-cresol is a colorless liquid with a sweet tarry odor. Sinks and mixes slowly with water. (USCG, 1999)
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.
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
Developed in the 19th century during the study of coal tar derivatives and organic chemistry. Used historically as a disinfectant and in cosmetic preservative systems from the early 20th century onward.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
No
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
No
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR