4-Chloro-3, 5-xylenol (PCMX) (Chloroxylenol)

This patient information on Chloroxylenol is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

The results from your patch testing showed a positive reaction (contact allergy) to Chloroxylenol. Your immune system reacts with its defense mechanisms with each exposure of Chloroxylenol to your skin. It is unknown why certain individuals develop allergic sensitivities. In some it may take repeat exposures over long periods of time before an allergy develops. Once you have become sensitized (allergic) your immune system always “remembers” and you will be Chloroxylenol sensitive. If you currently have eczema this chemical may be the cause but other factors may play a role as well. The information below will help you avoid this allergen.

This chemical is used as an antibacterial preservative in many personal skin care products.

Where is chemical found?

Carbolated Vaseline
Cooling fluids
Creams
Deodorants
Disinfectants
EKG paste
Hair conditioners
Pharmaceutical products
Soaps
Steroid creams
Toilet deodorants
Topical antiseptics
Urinary antiseptics

Hints on avoiding chemical:

Choose products listed only on your personalized contact allergen database, which has been provided to you. Products listed on your contact allergen resource database will be free of 4-Chloro-3,5-xylenol (PCMX) (Chloroxylenol) and safe to use.
Please be aware that if your spouse or significant other uses topical skincare products that contain this chemical skin to skin transfer may occur to you.
It may take 2 to 3 weeks of avoiding exposure before improvement of your eruption begins.

Other names you may see this chemical listed as:

2-Chloro-m-xylenol
2-Chloro-5-hydroxy-m-xylene
2-Chloro-5-hydroxy-1,3-dimethylbenzene
4-Chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol
4-Chloro-3,5-xylenol
Benzytol
Chloroxylenol
Dettol
Husept extra
Nipacide PX
Ottasept
p-Chloro-m-xylenol
Para-chloro-meta-xylenol
PCMX