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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

2,6-Xylenol

  • Fragrances
  • CAS 576-26-1
  • IUPAC: 2,6-dimethylphenol

2,6-Xylenol (CAS 576-26-1) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

EU-listed fragrance allergen — must be declared on EU cosmetic labels when present above threshold concentrations. At trace amounts present in fragrance blends in consumer products, risk is primarily contact sensitization in fragrance-allergic individuals. Not classified as a carcinogen or reproductive toxin. No Prop 65 listing.

2,6-Xylenol (2,6-dimethylphenol, CAS 576-26-1) is a phenolic compound that appears as a trace component in leather-scented fragrance blends. It is listed as a fragrance allergen under EU Cosmetics Regulation and must be declared when present above threshold concentrations in EU-marketed products. In US-market products, it typically appears in the CA-RTK EU Fragrance Allergens disclosure section. At the trace concentrations present in consumer leather care products, the primary concern is potential contact sensitization in fragrance-allergic individuals. It carries aquatic toxicity data at higher concentrations, triggering the ingredient-level environment deduction in CCT scoring.

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
3/5
Purpose: Trace fragrance component / EU-listed fragrance allergen present in leather-scented fragrance blends

Common questions about 2,6-Xylenol

What is 2,6-Xylenol used for in car care?
Trace fragrance component / EU-listed fragrance allergen present in leather-scented fragrance blends
Is 2,6-Xylenol a VOC?
No. 2,6-Xylenol is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is 2,6-Xylenol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. 2,6-Xylenol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is 2,6-Xylenol biodegradable?
Yes. 2,6-Xylenol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

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.