murphyp-Chloro-m-Cresol
AKA: 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol, Chlorocresol, 59-50-7, 4-Chloro-m-cresol, Ottafact, Baktol, Phenol, Baktolan, Candaseptic
Synthetic
Preservative
Not Clean
OriginDerived from the chemical family of chlorinated phenolic compounds through synthetic organic chemistry. Synthesized by chlorination and methylation of cresol or phenol precursors under controlled conditions.
The CIR Expert panel concludes Sodium p-Chloro-m-Cresol, p-Chloro-m-Cresol, Chlorothymol, m-Cresol, o-Cresol, Isopropyl Cresols, Thymol, o-Cymen-5-ol, Cavacrol are safe at concentrations up to 0.5% in cosmetics; however, the available data are insufficient to support the safety of p-Cresol and Mixed Cresols for use in cosmetic products.
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C7H7ClO
Mol. Weight
142.58
CAS #
59-50-7
Form
Powder
State
Chlorocresol appears as a pinkish to white crystalline solid with a phenolic odor. Melting point 64-66 °C. Shipped as a solid or in a liquid carrier. Soluble in aqueous base. Toxic by ingestion, inhal
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.
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Fights Bacteria
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
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 Phototoxic (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients; not tested individually (CIR 277)
Eye Irritant in Testing
3 studies / 3 irritating / reactions severe (CIR 3 and 277)
Skin Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / plus 2 case reports (CIR 3 and 277)
Mixed Sensitization Results
4 studies / 1 sensitizing / 3 not sensitizing / plus 5 case reports (CIR 3 and 277)
Concentration Guide
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 0.2%
EU regulatory limit: 0.2%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 24.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR