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CAPTAN

Description

Captan is a widely used synthetic fungicide with broad-spectrum antifungal properties. First introduced in the 1950s, it has been employed extensively in agriculture and horticulture to protect crops from various fungal diseases. In skincare and cosmetic formulations, captan serves as a preservative, helping to prevent the growth of mold and fungi in products.

Chemically known as N-trichloromethylthio-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboximide, captan belongs to the phthalimide class of compounds. Its mode of action involves disrupting fungal cell metabolism by inhibiting the production of essential enzymes. In skincare, captan is typically used in concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.1%.

While effective as a preservative, captan has raised some safety concerns. It is classified as a potential carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has been associated with skin sensitization in some individuals. As a result, its use in cosmetics is regulated and restricted in many countries. Alternative preservatives are often preferred in modern skincare formulations due to these safety considerations and consumer preferences for more natural ingredients.