murphyZinc Phenolsulfonate
AKA: Benzenesulfonic acid, Zinc salt (2:1), HSDB 2551, Zinc bis(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonate), EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 089002, Zinc phenolsulphonate, Zinc phenolsulfonate [NF]
Synthetic
Preservative
Astringent
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from phenol and sulfuric acid through sulfonation reactions combined with zinc salts. Produced by combining zinc chloride or zinc sulfate with phenolsulfonic acid in controlled chemical synthesis.
Zinc bis(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonate)
Solubility Solubility: 62.5 g/100 cc cold water; 250 g/100 cc water at 100 °C; 55.6 g/100 cc alcohol at 25 °C /Octahydrate/
Formula
C12H10O8S2Zn
Mol. Weight
411.70
CAS #
127-82-2
Form
Powder
State
Zinc phenolsulfonate appears as a colorless to white crystalline solid which turns pink on exposure to air. The primary is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its s
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
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.
Astringent
Tightens and contracts skin tissue, temporarily shrinking pores and reducing oiliness. That "clean, tight" feeling after toner.
Deodorant
Controls excess oil
Fights acne
Causing bacteria
Minimizes pores
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
12 studies / 12 not sensitizing (CIR 173)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
7 studies / 5 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 173)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
19 studies / 9 irritating / 10 not irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 173)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.041–1%
Rinse-offNot reported
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 6%
CIR reported use · 2023 survey
EU regulatory limit: 6%. % of anhydrous substance). Avoid contact with eyes Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 25.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR