Chlorophene

Chlorophene is an antimicrobial preservative/antiseptic used at low concentrations but has a well-documented history of causing irritant contact dermatitis and, in some patients, allergic contact dermatitis on patch testing. Because it can be problematic on compromised barriers (e.g., eczema) and irritation risk increases with leave-on exposure and cumulative use alongside other irritants, it warrants a significant irritancy rating for sensitive-skin safety. Safety Notes: In contemporary OTC cosmetics, chlorophene is encountered primarily as an antimicrobial preservative/deodorant active, with low-end use around ~0.05% in leave-on lotions/creams where it functions as part of a broader preservation system. The highest consumer-available levels are typically ~0.2–0.3% in deodorant-type or antimicrobial personal-care products (and some rinse-off cleansers), reflecting both efficacy needs and regulatory/compliance constraints that have limited broader/higher usage in many markets.