Chloroxylenol, also known as para-chloro-meta-xylenol, is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2ClC6H2OH. It is a chlorine-substituted xylenol. The compound is a colorless solid although impure samples can appear off-white. It has a phenolic odor. It is a common antiseptic.[2]
Uses
Formulations containing chloroxylenol are used in hospitals and households as antiseptics, disinfectants, and sanitizers. It is commonly used in antibacterial soaps, wound-cleansing, and other household antiseptic applications.[2] Chloroxylenol is used in a number of formulations and under a number of brand names including Dettol.[3]
Chloroxylenol has been substituted for hexachlorophene and triclosan, which have been removed from world markets.[6][7] It is currently used for control of bacteria, algae, and fungi in:[8][7]
Adhesive and sealant products
Construction products
Lubricant and grease products
Paint and coating products
Plastic and polymer products
Wash tanks
Diaper pails
Laundry equipment
Bedding
Pet living quarters
Hospitals
Personal care products
Cleaning and furniture care products
Fabric, textile and leather products
Ink, toner and colorant products
United States
Chloroxylenol was first introduced to the United States in 1959. Chloroxylenol containing products must not be used in any manner that allows contamination of water.[8]
European Union
The European Union allows chloroxylenol in cosmetics up to 0.5%.[7][9]
Antimicrobial properties
Chloroxylenol is most effective against gram-positive bacteria.[5] It works by disruption of the cell wall and stopping the function of enzymes.[10][11][7] It is less effective than some other available agents.[2][10] Testing has shown products containing chloroxylenol effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus[12] and orthopoxviruses.[13] No evidence for bacterial resistance has been investigated but not confirmed.[14]
It is " is safe as used in cosmetics".[16] Chloroxylenol is generally slightly to moderately toxic to humans (but causes severe eye irritation), is practically non-toxic to birds, toxic to fish, and moderately toxic to freshwater invertebrates.[8] The European Union considers it to be a skin sensitizer.[6]
Chloroxylenol may also be harmful to smaller vertebrates, especially cats. Phenolic compounds are of particular concern to felines because cats are unable to fully metabolize them. A cat may swallow the product by licking its paws after it has come into contact with it.[17][18] Products containing chloroxylenol such as Dettol have been previously administered with a spray bottle on unwanted pests or invasive species such as cane toads, which die shortly after being sprayed with the phenolic compound. The use of chloroxylenol-containing Dettol as an agent for pest control was banned in Western Australia by the Department of Environment and Conservation in 2011.[19]
History
The discovery of chloroxylenol was the result of efforts to produce improved antiseptics that began at the end of the 1800s, when it was realized that more substituted and more lipophilic phenols are less toxic, less irritating, and more powerful.[20] First synthesized in Germany in 1923, it was born out of the study of coal tar components that began a decade earlier.[1]
↑World Health Organization (2025). The selection and use of essential medicines, 2025: WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 24th list. Geneva: World Health Organization. doi:10.2471/B09474. hdl:10665/382243. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
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