Chlorphenesin,Cosmetic Preservative-CAS 104-29-0
Product Name: Chlorphenesin
INCI Name: CHLORPHENESIN
CAS Number: 104-29-0
EINECS Number: 203-192-6
Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₁ClO₃
Molecular Weight: 202.63 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder, almost odorless
Product Purity: ≥99.0%
Melting Point: 77–79°C
Packaging: 1kg aluminum foil bag, 25kg fiber drum
Shelf Life: 24 months
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep sealed, protect from light and moisture
Chlorphenesin, cosmetic preservative, broad spectrum preservative, antifungal preservative, formaldehyde free preservative, mild preservative, leave-on and rinse-off preservative, antimicrobial agent, cosmetic ingredient, skin care preservative
Chlorphenesin,Cosmetic Preservative-CAS 104-29-0
Chlorphenesin is a widely used, mild, broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative with the INCI name CHLORPHENESIN and CAS number 104-29-0. This white crystalline powder is particularly effective against yeast and mold, with moderate activity against bacteria, making it an excellent choice for fungal protection in cosmetic formulations. Unlike formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, Chlorphenesin works by disrupting microbial cell membranes and inhibiting enzyme activity, providing preservation without releasing formaldehyde. It is valued for its excellent skin tolerance, low irritation potential, and compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients. Approved for use in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.3% in China, the EU, and Japan, Chlorphenesin is one of the most popular formaldehyde-free preservatives in the modern cosmetic industry. It is often combined with other preservatives like phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, or caprylyl glycol to create complete broad-spectrum preservation systems, especially in premium and "clean beauty" formulations.

Key Benefits
• Formaldehyde-free: No formaldehyde release, suitable for clean beauty formulations
• Excellent antifungal: Highly effective against yeast and mold (Candida, Aspergillus)
• Mild and gentle: Very low skin irritation, well-tolerated by sensitive skin
• Broad-spectrum activity: Works against fungi, yeast, and moderate bacteria
• Globally approved: Meets China, EU, Japan and US regulatory standards
• Both rinse-off and leave-on: Suitable for all cosmetic product types
• Good stability: Thermally stable and photostable under normal conditions
• Wide compatibility: Works with most cosmetic ingredients and formulation types
• Readily biodegradable: Environmentally friendly, breaks down easily in nature
• Synergistic effects: Excellent when combined with phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, etc.
Applications
• Face creams and moisturizers: Recommended usage 0.1%–0.3%
• Anti-aging serums and essences: Recommended usage 0.1%–0.25%
• Toners and facial mists: Recommended usage 0.1%–0.2%
• Facial masks and sheet masks: Recommended usage 0.1%–0.25%
• Shampoos and hair conditioners: Recommended usage 0.1%–0.3%
• Body washes and shower gels: Recommended usage 0.1%–0.25%
• Sunscreens and sun care products: Recommended usage 0.1%–0.3%
• Foundations and color cosmetics: Recommended usage 0.1%–0.25%
• Baby care products (lotions, shampoos): Recommended usage 0.1%–0.2%
• Eye care products (creams, serums): Recommended usage 0.1%–0.2%
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Standard Requirement | Test Result | Test Method |
Appearance | White crystalline powder | Complies | Visual inspection |
Assay (HPLC) | ≥99.0% | 99.5% | HPLC |
Melting Point | 77–79°C | 77.8–78.5°C | Melting point apparatus |
pH Value (1% dispersion) | 5.0–7.0 | 6.1 | pH meter |
Drying Loss | ≤0.5% | 0.12% | Gravimetric |
Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% | 0.03% | Gravimetric |
Color (APHA, 5% ethanol) | ≤20 | <10 | Colorimetry |
Chloride | ≤0.05% | <0.01% | Titration |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Lead (Pb) | ≤5 ppm | <1 ppm | ICP-MS |
Total Aerobic Count | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | GB 4789.2 |
Mold & Yeast | ≤10 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | GB 4789.15 |
E. coli | Absent | Absent | GB 4789.3 |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Absent | Absent | GB 4789.4 |
Staphylococcus aureus | Absent | Absent | GB 4789.10 |
Conclusion | Complies with cosmetic grade specifications | ||
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is Chlorphenesin so popular in premium and clean beauty formulations?
A: Chlorphenesin has become one of the most popular preservatives in premium and clean beauty products for several reasons. First, it is formaldehyde-free, which aligns with consumer demand for "clean" ingredients. Second, it has excellent skin tolerance and low irritation potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin products. Third, it is readily biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Fourth, it has a good safety profile supported by CIR and SCCS assessments. Finally, it works well in combination with other mild preservatives to create effective, consumer-friendly preservation systems that meet both efficacy and marketing requirements.
Q2: How do I use Chlorphenesin in formulations? Are there any compatibility issues?
A: Chlorphenesin can be added to the oil phase or water phase depending on the formulation. It is slightly soluble in water but soluble in oils, propylene glycol, glycerin, and ethanol. It can be added during the heating phase (up to 80°C) or post-emulsification. It is stable across pH 3–10 and compatible with most cosmetic ingredients including surfactants, emulsifiers, proteins, and other preservatives. It is often combined with phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, caprylyl glycol, or pentylene glycol for synergistic broad-spectrum protection. Avoid strong oxidizing agents. Always conduct compatibility testing and preservative challenge testing in your specific formulation.
Q3: What is the shelf life and are there any storage or stability concerns?
A: Shelf life is 24 months in original sealed packaging. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and moisture. Chlorphenesin is stable under normal storage conditions and is both thermally stable and photostable. It is stable across a wide pH range (3–10) and can withstand typical cosmetic manufacturing temperatures. It is compatible with most cosmetic ingredients but should be tested with very strong oxidizing agents. Always conduct stability testing and preservative efficacy challenge testing in your specific formulation to ensure shelf life performance and regulatory compliance.
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