2-Chlorphenesin
2-Chlorphenesin (INCI=Chlorphenesin) is a cheap and questionable preservative that is unfortunately found far too often in cosmetics. It can be found in eye, face and hand creams, concealers, face and foot masks, serums, shampoos and even in self-tanning products. Even well-known manufacturers use the substance as it has antimicrobial properties according to the European Commission. The very low price also significantly increases the margin of the respective products: another reason why 2-chlorphenesin is so popular in cosmetic formulations.
Why is this chlorine-containing substance critical from our point of view?
As the preservative effect – especially in combination with substances such as phenoxyethanol – is very good, no special expertise is required for its production. Simply add a little 2-chlorphenesin to the desired formulation and the product is optimally preserved. The fact that such cheap preservatives have no place in high-quality cosmetics is often ignored during production.
After all, according to Annex 6 “Preservatives for cosmetic products” of the Cosmetics Ordinance, the substance may officially be used as a preservative in a maximum concentration of 0.3 percent. However, an evaluation of the substance by the Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety is still pending: This is currently eagerly awaited. What many buyers of cosmetics do not know is that 2-chlorphenesin is potentially allergenic and irritating to the skin.
Although only a few cases are known to date, the number of unreported cases is likely to be significantly higher. In addition, the known cases are attributed to individual sensitivities. In addition, the chemical preservative is suspected of being a protein and mutagen (source: https://mydailysoapopera.de/bedenkliche-inhaltsstoffe-in-kosmetik-2-Chlorphenesin/). It is said to penetrate the tissue and cause a wide variety of damage. Responsible manufacturers should therefore refrain from using it for this reason alone, especially as there are plenty of better and safer alternatives available.
What is 2-chlorphenesin?
The substance is an organic chemical compound halogenated with chlorine, which is also known under the chemical name 3-(p-chlorophenoxy)-1,2-propanediol. Halogens are substances that form salts with metals even without oxygen. In addition to chlorine, these also include iodine, fluorine and bromine. Halogen compounds can be recognized by their prefix: In this case, the prefix “chlorine-“.
In cosmetic products, the compound is intended to prevent the formation and spread of harmful bacteria, fungi and germs. As a cosmetic biocide, it also cleanses and deodorizes the skin. Its 1-carbamate is often used in medicine as a muscle relaxant to treat painful muscle cramps.
However, the fact that 2-chlorphenesin is heavily criticized is not only due to its potentially harmful effects on health, but also to the manufacturing process, which is highly harmful to the environment. In addition, organohalogen compounds have long been suspected of being carcinogenic as they can form nitrosamines.
Disadvantages predominate
If you take a closer look at 2-chlorphenesin, it is immediately apparent that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits. The supposed advantages – the preservative effect and the particularly low price – are disproportionate to the possible consequences for our health and our environment. It is not for nothing that pure 2-chlorphenesin is labeled with several GHS hazard statements.
We at Cosmacon clearly distance ourselves from cheap, inferior and questionable preservatives such as 2-chlorphenesin. We can only advise every consumer to check the ingredients on the product packaging before buying. Even if the maximum permitted concentrations in finished products are not exceeded, health effects cannot be completely ruled out.
The unecological manufacturing process should also deter consumers from buying cosmetic products containing 2-chlorphenesin, especially in times of climate change. Anyone who discovers such products on the market that cost more than 5 euros each should know that the manufacturer is simply trying to make a lot of money. And without regard for the possible consequences for people and the environment. Today, there are plenty of ways to preserve cosmetics without potentially harmful cheap preservatives. We would like to show you some of these possibilities.
Profile: 2-Chlorphenesin
INCI: Chlorphenesin
CAS number: 104-29-0
Description: Antimicrobial active ingredient to prevent the growth of germs and bacteria in cosmetic products
EC number: 203-192-6
Molecular formula C9H11ClO3
Melting point: 78 to 81 °C
Molecular weight: 202.64
High-quality cosmetics can do without 2-chlorphenesin
Even with high-priced cosmetic products, consumers cannot be sure that they do not contain cheap and potentially harmful 2-chlorphenesin. Manufacturers use this opportunity to significantly increase their profit margins. Only a look at the list of ingredients provides final certainty. We at Cosmacon have not been working with this substance for a long time and also do not use similar cheap preservatives. They have no additional benefit for skin and hair care and can easily be replaced by higher quality, more compatible and more environmentally friendly alternatives. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
Literature:
Almoughrabie S, Ngari C, Guillier L, Briandet R, Poulet V, Dubois-Brissonnet F.PLoS One. 2020 Jul 27;15(7):e0236059
Gomyo H, Ookawa M, Oshibuchi K, Sugamura Y, Hosokawa M, Shionoiri N, Maeda Y, Matsunaga T, Tanaka T.Biocontrol Sci. 2015;20(4):247-53