Alcohol-Free Hand Gel Base with Chloroxylenol (PCMX)

For creating an alcohol-free hand gel base using Chloroxylenol (PCMX) at a concentration of 0.25%:

Chloroxylenol (PCMX) is available in two main forms:

• Chloroxylenol (PCMX) (100% Powder): This is the pure powder form. It is soluble in organic solvents and glycols, but not readily in water.
• Chloroxylenol (PCMX) (15% Water Soluble): This is a liquid form that is easier to dissolve in water, containing 15% active PCMX.

To achieve a final concentration of 0.25% active PCMX in your gel, you would need approximately 1.67% of the Chloroxylenol (PCMX) (15% Water Soluble) product in your formulation.

Regarding usage rates, for disinfection against Coronavirus, a concentration of at least 0.12% active PCMX (equivalent to 0.8% of the 15% Water Soluble product) with a 30-second contact time is effective. The FDA permits up to 0.5% active PCMX (equivalent to 3.33% of the 15% Water Soluble product) for use as a preservative in cosmetic formulas. Your desired concentration of 0.25% active PCMX falls within the range suitable for disinfectant products.

Important Consideration:

The product information for Chloroxylenol (PCMX) (100% Powder) notes that achieving effective disinfection requires precise formulation. For household use, it is recommended to purchase the ready-made Hand Gel Base, a disinfectant gel that does not contain alcohol, as it is formulated to ensure proper disinfection efficiency. Creating a DIY formulation might not guarantee the intended germ-killing effectiveness.

If you choose to formulate yourself, using the Chloroxylenol (PCMX) (15% Water Soluble) form is generally easier for water-based gels. You would need to incorporate it into a suitable gel base that is compatible with PCMX and maintains its stability and efficacy.