Zinc Phenolsulfonate
molecular structure · PubChem
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
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
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
Traditional Use
A synthetic compound developed in the 20th century combining zinc with phenolic chemistry. Used in antiseptic and astringent cosmetic formulations, particularly for problem skin.
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
6%
0%8%
Reg. Limit
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR