offers a clean-label, aluminium-free route to odour control that doubles as a preservative booster. It is water-clear
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offers a clean-label, aluminium-free route to odour control that doubles as a preservative booster. It is water-clear
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Solubilisation & clarity
pH control
Compatibility
Heat processing
Sensorial optimisation
| 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. |
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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