Common Name(s): Phenyl mercuric borate,phenyl mercuric borate,prohibited preservative,banned eu cosmetics annex ii

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Prohibited in eu cosmetics. this preservative must not be present in cosmetics in regulated markets including the eu, uk, and markets adopting eu cosmetics standards.

Why It's Used: Prohibition is based on unacceptable human health risk — mercury compounds (neurotoxic), mdbgn (contact sensitiser causing widespread epidemic dermatitis), and chloroacetamide (alkylating agent) present risks that no preservative benefit can justify at any concentration.

How It Works: Phenyl mercuric salts: hg²⁺ covalently binds thiol groups in neuronal proteins causing irreversible neurotoxicity. mdbgn: n-haloamine releases cl⁻ radicals forming protein haptens driving t-cell sensitisation. chloroacetamide: sn2 alkylation of dna bases creating mutagenic adducts.

Typically Found In: Do not formulate

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: Prohibited

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – 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: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Replacement guidance: phenyl mercuric preservatives → phenoxyethanol/ethylhexylglycerin systems; mdbgn → methylisothiazolinone-free systems; chloroacetamide → broad-spectrum cosmos-accepted preservative systems.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Eu regulation 1223/2009 annex ii,phenyl mercuric borate prohibition review