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2,4-Xylenol

  • Biocides
  • CAS 105-67-9
  • IUPAC: 2,4-dimethylphenol

Eye damage (Category 1) and skin corrosion (Category 1B) in concentrated form. At trace preservative concentrations (<0.1%) in consumer products, these classifications apply to the neat substance, not the final formulation. No asthmagen or Prop 65 listing. No H317 skin sensitizer classification. Phenolic biocide — effective antimicrobial at very low concentrations.

2,4-Xylenol (2,4-dimethylphenol, CAS 105-67-9) is a phenolic compound used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in cosmetic and industrial formulations. It is sometimes labeled simply as "Xylenol" or "2,6-Xylenol" in older SDS nomenclature, though the CAS 105-67-9 corresponds to the 2,4 isomer. At the trace concentrations used in consumer leather care products (<0.1%), its primary role is microbial growth inhibition. Its H411 GHS aquatic toxicity classification is based on acute toxicity data in freshwater invertebrates and fish — this triggers the ingredient-level aquatic toxicity deduction in the CCT environment scoring model regardless of the product mixture's classification.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Phenolic preservative / antimicrobial agent; used at trace concentrations in personal care and leather care formulas

1 product contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.