Common Name(s): Aluminum phenolsulfonate,antimicrobial biocide,broad-spectrum preservative-grade
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses on skin and within formulations through membrane disruption, protein denaturation, or enzyme inhibition โ providing antiseptic, preservation, or therapeutic antimicrobial protection.
Why It's Used: Chosen when broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage including gram-negative bacteria (particularly pseudomonas) is required, where standard cosmetic preservatives provide insufficient protection for challenge tests.
How It Works: Cationic biocides (qacs) adsorb electrostatically to negative microbial surfaces then insert hydrophobic chains into lipid bilayers, collapsing membrane potential. non-ionic biocides (triclosan) inhibit fatty acid synthesis (fabi enoyl reductase). oxidants (hโoโ, chlorine dioxide) oxidise microbial thiol enzymes non-specifically.
Typically Found In: Antiseptics,therapeutic skin care
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: Check regulatory limits
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Regulatory limits vary significantly by compound and application โ formulators must verify permitted concentrations in target market (eu annex v, fda otc monographs) before formulating at functional concentrations.
Last Verified: Cosing database,aluminum phenolsulfonate antimicrobial regulatory review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
