Chloroxylenol

Chloroxylenol (PCMX) is an antimicrobial commonly used in antiseptic washes/soaps (often ~0.5–4%), where it can disrupt the skin barrier and has documented irritant contact dermatitis risk, especially with frequent or prolonged exposure. While true allergy is less common than irritation, compromised-skin patients (e.g., eczema) are more likely to sting, burn, or flare. Given its intended biocidal activity at functional concentrations and real-world leave-on transfer/residue from cleansers, it warrants a significant irritation score. Safety Notes: In consumer skin-cleansing antiseptics, chloroxylenol (PCMX) is found at very low levels (~0.05–0.1%) in mild antimicrobial hand/body washes and deodorizing soaps, where it functions mainly as an antibacterial deodorant/cleanser active. The highest widely marketed OTC strengths are concentrated antiseptic liquids and surgical scrub-style washes sold to the general public, typically ~4.8% PCMX (often labeled ~4.8% w/v), used primarily as rinse-off products due to irritation and sensitization potential at higher levels. Leave-on skin products containing PCMX are uncommon and, when present, are generally at the low end of this range.