murphyMethylbenzethonium Chloride
AKA: Phemerol
Synthetic
Preservative
Cleanser
Not Clean
OriginDerived from benzene, it belongs to the quaternary ammonium compound family of synthetic antimicrobials. Synthesized through alkylation and quaternization of benzyl dimethylamine with chlorine-containing reagents.
Methylbenzethonium chloride
Formula
C26H40ClNO
Mol. Weight
401.96
CAS #
25155-18-4
Form
Liquid
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.
Antistatic
Deodorant
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
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
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 188)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating (CIR 188)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 188)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · 2003 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR