2,4-Xylenol
- Biocides
- CAS 105-67-9
- IUPAC: 2,4-dimethylphenol
2,4-Xylenol (CAS 105-67-9) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.
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
Common questions about 2,4-Xylenol
- What is 2,4-Xylenol used for in car care?
- Phenolic preservative / antimicrobial agent; used at trace concentrations in personal care and leather care formulas
- Is 2,4-Xylenol a VOC?
- No. 2,4-Xylenol is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is 2,4-Xylenol on California's Proposition 65 list?
- No. 2,4-Xylenol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
- Is 2,4-Xylenol biodegradable?
- Yes. 2,4-Xylenol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.
1 product contain this
Lexol All Leather ConditionerProp 65leather-conditioner
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.