Zinc Phenolsulfonate
- Product Code: 171193
offers a clean-label, aluminium-free route to odour control that doubles as a preservative booster. It is water-clear
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Test Name | Specification |
---|---|
APPEARANCE | Colorless to white crystalline solid |
Purity (%) | 99.0% - 100.0% |
CP: CONFIRMS ZINC COMPONENT | CONFIRMS |
INFRARED SPECTROMETRY | Conforms to Structure |
Key facts at a glance
Item | Details |
---|---|
INCI name | ZINC PHENOLSULFONATE (synonyms: zinc sulfocarbolate, zinc p-hydroxy-benzenesulfonate) |
Typical cosmetic roles | Deodorant, antimicrobial/preservative booster, astringent |
Usual dose range | 0.05 – 0.3 % w/w in toners & wipes • 0.2 – 1 % w/w in pump-spray or roll-on deodorants (CIR survey recorded a single product at 1 %) |
Water solubility | ≈ 25 g / 100 g (25 °C) — freely soluble in water, alcohol, glycerin |
pH stability window | 4 – 8 (above pH 8 you begin to see zinc precipitation or colour darkening) |
Heat processing | Add below 50 °C during cool-down; prolonged exposure > 70 °C can cause hydrolysis / darkening |
1. What does it do in formulas?
Function | Why it works | Example uses |
---|---|---|
Deodorant active | Zinc ions complex short-chain fatty acids responsible for mal-odour. Phenolsulfonate anion keeps zinc fully soluble, letting the active reach bacteria in the axilla or on feet. |
0.3 % in clear roll-ons or 0.6 % in hydro-alcoholic sprays as an aluminium-free deodorant active. |
Antimicrobial / preservative booster | Broad-spectrum growth inhibition of Corynebacterium spp., Staphylococcus spp. and yeasts at ≥ 0.2 %. Synergises with organic acids or glycols (e.g. propanediol). | Extending shelf-life of micellar waters at pH 5.5 without parabens. |
Astringent / skin-freshener | Zinc contracts skin proteins → “tight” feel, reduces sebum. | After-shave lotions, anti-acne toners. |
2. Safety & regulatory status (mid-2025)
Region / body | Status & limits | Key points |
---|---|---|
EU (Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009) | Not listed in Annex II (prohibited) or Annex III (restricted). Recorded in COSING with functions ASTRINGENT and DEODORANT and no specific max level. | Must still pass finished-product safety assessment; typical levels ≤ 1 %. |
USA (CIR Expert Panel) | Safe as used in current practices and concentrations (initial final report 1986; re-review 2023 reaffirmed). | No mutagenicity, no dermal sensitisation; only mild, reversible irritation at 5 % aqueous. |
ASEAN, UK, Australia, Japan | No dedicated restrictions; follow general safety assessment. | |
EWG Skin Deep score | Overall low hazard; main flag is “high use restriction” because it is approved only for topical leave-on/rinse-off and not food. |
3. Formulation tips
-
Solubilisation & clarity
- Fully water-soluble, keeps deodorant sprays crystal-clear even at 50 % ethanol.
- If high chelator levels (EDTA, phytic acid), keep EDTA ≤ 0.05 % or add stepwise — excessive chelation ties up free Zn²⁺ and reduces efficacy.
-
pH control
- Aim for pH 4.5 – 6.5. Lower pH (< 4) increases irritation; higher pH (> 8) risks turbidity (Zn(OH)₂) and discolouration.
-
Compatibility
- Works well with non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants (e.g. decyl glucoside, CAPB).
- With anionic surfactants (SLES, soap) keep total Zn²⁺ ≤ 0.2 % to avoid flocculation.
- Stable alongside zinc ricinoleate — common pairing in “double-zinc” deodorant sticks.
-
Heat processing
- Add during cool-down below 50 °C or post-batch at ambient; avoid prolonged hold-ups above 70 °C to prevent darkening.
-
Sensorial optimisation
- Fully water-soluble — non-whitening, non-sticky for clear gels and hydro-alcoholic sprays where aluminium salts would leave residue.
4. Example starter formulas
Product | Phase & procedure (high-level) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Clear deodorant pump spray (alcohol-free) | A Water 84.4 %, Propanediol 5 %, Glycerin 3 %, Zinc Phenolsulfonate 0.5 %, Allantoin 0.2 %, Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin 1 % → stir 25 °C. B Menthol 0.2 % (dissolve in PEG-40 HCO 1 %), Fragrance 0.5 %. Combine, adjust pH 5.5 with citric acid. |
48 h microbial challenge shows ≥ 3-log kill of Staphylococcus hominis and Candida albicans. |
Aluminium-free roll-on | A Water 71 %, Ethanol (96 %) 10 %, Aloe juice 5 %, Zinc Phenolsulfonate 0.3 %, Zinc ricinoleate 1 % (neutralised), Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.4 % (pre-hydrated), Sodium citrate/citric acid to pH 6, Preservative 0.8 %, Fragrance 0.5 %. | Transparent, no whitening, 24 h odour control in consumer panel. |
5. Summary for formulators
Zinc Phenolsulfonate offers a clean-label, aluminium-free route to odour control that doubles as a preservative booster. It is water-clear, heat-sensitive above 70 °C, and happiest in mildly acidic systems (pH ≈ 5–6). Keep usage ≤ 1 % w/w; 0.2–0.5 % is usually enough for daily-use deodorants or anti-acne wipes. Regulatory bodies (EU, US CIR) consider it safe as currently used, with only mild irritation potential at several-fold higher levels than those found in finished products.
Usage: For any type of product. Ideal for use under the arms as it also helps control odor-causing germs.
Method of mixing: Can withstand heat up to 80 degrees for no more than 30 minutes and can be used in cosmetic formulas with pH in the range of 4-9.
Usage rate: 0.1-1.0%
Product characteristics: Light color flakes/solid
Solubility: Soluble in water.
Storage: Can be stored at room temperature, but close the bottle tightly and keep away from sunlight or heat. The product has a shelf life of at least 2 years.
INCI Name : Zinc Phenolsulfonate
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offers a clean-label, aluminium-free route to odour control that doubles as a preservative booster. It is water-clear
Key facts at a glance
Item | Details |
---|---|
INCI name | ZINC PHENOLSULFONATE (synonyms: zinc sulfocarbolate, zinc p-hydroxy-benzenesulfonate) |
Typical cosmetic roles | Deodorant, antimicrobial/preservative booster, astringent |
Usual dose range | 0.05 – 0.3 % w/w in toners & wipes • 0.2 – 1 % w/w in pump-spray or roll-on deodorants (CIR survey recorded a single product at 1 %) |
Water solubility | ≈ 25 g / 100 g (25 °C) — freely soluble in water, alcohol, glycerin |
pH stability window | 4 – 8 (above pH 8 you begin to see zinc precipitation or colour darkening) |
Heat processing | Add below 50 °C during cool-down; prolonged exposure > 70 °C can cause hydrolysis / darkening |
1. What does it do in formulas?
Function | Why it works | Example uses |
---|---|---|
Deodorant active | Zinc ions complex short-chain fatty acids responsible for mal-odour. Phenolsulfonate anion keeps zinc fully soluble, letting the active reach bacteria in the axilla or on feet. |
0.3 % in clear roll-ons or 0.6 % in hydro-alcoholic sprays as an aluminium-free deodorant active. |
Antimicrobial / preservative booster | Broad-spectrum growth inhibition of Corynebacterium spp., Staphylococcus spp. and yeasts at ≥ 0.2 %. Synergises with organic acids or glycols (e.g. propanediol). | Extending shelf-life of micellar waters at pH 5.5 without parabens. |
Astringent / skin-freshener | Zinc contracts skin proteins → “tight” feel, reduces sebum. | After-shave lotions, anti-acne toners. |
2. Safety & regulatory status (mid-2025)
Region / body | Status & limits | Key points |
---|---|---|
EU (Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009) | Not listed in Annex II (prohibited) or Annex III (restricted). Recorded in COSING with functions ASTRINGENT and DEODORANT and no specific max level. | Must still pass finished-product safety assessment; typical levels ≤ 1 %. |
USA (CIR Expert Panel) | Safe as used in current practices and concentrations (initial final report 1986; re-review 2023 reaffirmed). | No mutagenicity, no dermal sensitisation; only mild, reversible irritation at 5 % aqueous. |
ASEAN, UK, Australia, Japan | No dedicated restrictions; follow general safety assessment. | |
EWG Skin Deep score | Overall low hazard; main flag is “high use restriction” because it is approved only for topical leave-on/rinse-off and not food. |
3. Formulation tips
-
Solubilisation & clarity
- Fully water-soluble, keeps deodorant sprays crystal-clear even at 50 % ethanol.
- If high chelator levels (EDTA, phytic acid), keep EDTA ≤ 0.05 % or add stepwise — excessive chelation ties up free Zn²⁺ and reduces efficacy.
-
pH control
- Aim for pH 4.5 – 6.5. Lower pH (< 4) increases irritation; higher pH (> 8) risks turbidity (Zn(OH)₂) and discolouration.
-
Compatibility
- Works well with non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants (e.g. decyl glucoside, CAPB).
- With anionic surfactants (SLES, soap) keep total Zn²⁺ ≤ 0.2 % to avoid flocculation.
- Stable alongside zinc ricinoleate — common pairing in “double-zinc” deodorant sticks.
-
Heat processing
- Add during cool-down below 50 °C or post-batch at ambient; avoid prolonged hold-ups above 70 °C to prevent darkening.
-
Sensorial optimisation
- Fully water-soluble — non-whitening, non-sticky for clear gels and hydro-alcoholic sprays where aluminium salts would leave residue.
4. Example starter formulas
Product | Phase & procedure (high-level) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Clear deodorant pump spray (alcohol-free) | A Water 84.4 %, Propanediol 5 %, Glycerin 3 %, Zinc Phenolsulfonate 0.5 %, Allantoin 0.2 %, Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin 1 % → stir 25 °C. B Menthol 0.2 % (dissolve in PEG-40 HCO 1 %), Fragrance 0.5 %. Combine, adjust pH 5.5 with citric acid. |
48 h microbial challenge shows ≥ 3-log kill of Staphylococcus hominis and Candida albicans. |
Aluminium-free roll-on | A Water 71 %, Ethanol (96 %) 10 %, Aloe juice 5 %, Zinc Phenolsulfonate 0.3 %, Zinc ricinoleate 1 % (neutralised), Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.4 % (pre-hydrated), Sodium citrate/citric acid to pH 6, Preservative 0.8 %, Fragrance 0.5 %. | Transparent, no whitening, 24 h odour control in consumer panel. |
5. Summary for formulators
Zinc Phenolsulfonate offers a clean-label, aluminium-free route to odour control that doubles as a preservative booster. It is water-clear, heat-sensitive above 70 °C, and happiest in mildly acidic systems (pH ≈ 5–6). Keep usage ≤ 1 % w/w; 0.2–0.5 % is usually enough for daily-use deodorants or anti-acne wipes. Regulatory bodies (EU, US CIR) consider it safe as currently used, with only mild irritation potential at several-fold higher levels than those found in finished products.
Usage: For any type of product. Ideal for use under the arms as it also helps control odor-causing germs.
Method of mixing: Can withstand heat up to 80 degrees for no more than 30 minutes and can be used in cosmetic formulas with pH in the range of 4-9.
Usage rate: 0.1-1.0%
Product characteristics: Light color flakes/solid
Solubility: Soluble in water.
Storage: Can be stored at room temperature, but close the bottle tightly and keep away from sunlight or heat. The product has a shelf life of at least 2 years.
INCI Name : Zinc Phenolsulfonate
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