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Annex II Entry 1175 CMR15/10/2010

Phenol

Phenol is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.

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Prohibited substance— Annex II, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 1175
CMR

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 108-95-2
CAS 108-95-2PubChem CID 996

Phenol

Phenol is an organic hydroxy compound that consists of benzene bearing a single hydroxy substituent. The parent of the class of phenols. It has a role as an antiseptic drug, a disinfectant, a mouse metabolite and a human xenobiotic metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a phenolate. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
phenol
Molecular formula
C6H6O
Molecular weight
94.11 g/mol
Exact mass
94.041864811 Da
XLogP3
1.5
Topological polar surface area
20.2 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
1
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

carbolic acidHydroxybenzenePhenic acidOxybenzeneBenzenolPhenylic acidPhenylic alcoholMonophenol
16 more reported names
Phenyl hydratePhenyl hydroxidePhOHMonohydroxybenzenePaoscleIzalPhenyl alcoholPhenolePhenol alcoholAcide carboliquePhenol, liquefiedFenoloCarbolsaureFenolLiquid phenolLiquefied phenol
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match996

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • Physical Description: Phenol solution, [aqueous] is a white crystalline mass dissolved in an aqueous solution. Solution may be colorless to slightly pink in color with a distinctive phenol odor; sharp burning taste. Aqueous solution will be acidic and act as such. Toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption; strong irritant to tissues. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Physical Description: Phenol, liquid appears as a colorless liquid when pure, otherwise pink or red. Combustible. Flash point 175 °F. Must be heated before ignition may occur easily. Vapors are heavier than air. Corrosive to skin but because of anesthetic qualities will numb rather than burn. Upon contact skin may turn white. May be lethal by skin absorption. Does not react with water. Stable in normal transportation. Reactive with various chemicals and may be corrosive to lead, aluminum and its alloys, certain plastics, and rubber. Freezing point about 105 °F. Density 8.9 lb / gal. Used to make plastics, adhesives and other chemicals. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Physical Description: Phenol, molten is the white crystalline solid shipped at an elevated temperature to form a semi-solid. It is very hot and may cause burns from contact and also may cause the ignition of combustible materials. It is toxic by ingestion, and inhalation of its fumes, and skin absorption. It may also be very irritating to skin and eyes. It is used to make other chemicals. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Physical Description: Phenol, solid appears as a solid melting at 110 °F. Colorless if pure, otherwise pink or red. Flash point 175 °F. Density 9.9 lb / gal. Vapors are heavier than air Corrosive to the skin (turning skin white) but because of its anesthetic quality numbs rather than burn. Lethal amounts can be absorbed through the skin. Used to make plastics and adhesives. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Physical Description: Dry Powder; Liquid; Large Crystals; Gas Vapor; Liquid; CBI Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Physical Description: Colorless to light-pink, crystalline solid with a sweet, acrid odor. [Note: Phenol liquefies by mixing with about 8% water.] [NIOSH] Pure form is liquefied by water absorbed from the air; [CPS&Q: RARs - Final Report] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Physical Description: Solid Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
  • Physical Description: COLOURLESS-TO-YELLOW OR LIGHT PINK CRYSTALS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  • Physical Description: White crystalline mass, sharp, medicinal, sweet, tarry odour Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
  • Physical Description: Colorless to light-pink, crystalline solid with a sweet, acrid odor. Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Physical Description: Colorless to light-pink, crystalline solid with a sweet, acrid odor. [Note: Phenol liquefies by mixing with about 8% water.] Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • First Aid: Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:; Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required. Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance. (ERG, 2024) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whene Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • First Aid: Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Phenol:; Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: SOAP WASH IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.; Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.; Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2024) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • First Aid: Signs and Symptoms of Acute Phenol Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to phenol may be severe, and range from tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate) to hypotension (low blood pressure), weak pulse, cardiac failure, pulmonary edema, and respiratory arrest. Cardiac arrhythmias may be noted. Weakness, headache, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), delirium, and shock are common. Seizures may often be followed by coma. Pallor, profuse sweating, dilated pupils, and a profound drop in body temperature may occur. Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea, abdominal pain, bloody vomitus, and bloody diarrhea. Renal insufficiency may lead to hematuria (bloody urine). Liver damage may also occur. Phenol is corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes. Contact may result in severe and painful burns, which promptly become anesthetized (numb) to touch and pain. Ulceration may follow.; Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to phenol may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respirator Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 153 (Phenol, solid): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • ERG2024, Guide 153 (Phenol, molten): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]; H373 **: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 4205) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H301 (99.9%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H311 (> 99.9%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H314 (> 99.9%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H318 (17.7%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H331 (99.7%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H341 (99.3%): Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]; H373 (99.7%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H411 (13.6%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 4205 reports by companies from 95 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 4205 reports by companies.; There are 94 notifications provided by 4204 of 4205 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P273, P280, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: Long-term exposure to phenol at work has been associated with cardiovascular disease, irritation of the respiratory tract and muscle twitching depedning of the route of exposure. Ingestion of liquid products containing concentrated phenol can cause serious gastrointestinal damage and even death. Application of concentrated phenol to the skin can cause severe skin damage. Longer-term exposure to high levels of phenol caused damaged to the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs. Liver effects, as judged by increased serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST), were also reported in a case of prolonged inhalation exposure to phenol. (L624) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • NFPA Health Rating: 4 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can be lethal. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: HUMAN TOXICITY: Phenol is toxic with a probable oral lethal dose to humans of 50-500 mg/kg. Some individuals may be hypersensitive with lethality or serious effects at very low exposures. Rapid absorption and severe systemic toxicity can occur after any route of exposure including skin. Death and severe toxicity are usually due to effects on the CNS, heart, blood vessels, lung, and kidneys. However, toxic manifestations may vary somewhat with the route. Observed effects from acute exposure may include: shock, delirium, coma, pulmonary distress, phenolic breath, scanty/dark urine, and death. Protracted or chronic exposure usually results in major damage to the liver, kidneys and eyes. Pigmentary changes of the skin have been noted. Consumption of water contaminated with phenol resulted in diarrhea, mouth sores, burning of the mouth, and dark urine. Phenol is highly caustic to tissues. Skin exposure results in pain, then numbness, blanching, severe burns, and eschar formation. Ingestion leads to burning of throat and severe gastrointestinal inflammation. Inhalation can result in pulmonary irritation and edema. ANIMAL TOXICITY: Toxicity in animals is similar to that of humans, althoug Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Phenol is irritating and corrosive at high concentrations. Phenol impairs the stratum corneum and produces coagulation necrosis by denaturing and precipitating proteins. It is suggested that dermal application of phenol increases the formation of free radicals in the skin, and that the redox cycling of these radicals reduces antioxidant capacity, leading to significant oxidative damage of protein, DNA, and lipids. Phenol also act as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. (A227, L624) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: The BCFs reported in fish include: Goldorfe, 20 (1); goldfish, (Carassius auratus), 1.9(2); fish (unspecified), 17(3); fish (unspecified), 1.7(4); and 39, rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) (5). Phenol was rapidly eliminated from goldfish(6) and therefore would be unlikely to bioaccumulate(SRC). When U-14C-phenol was interperitonially administered to goldfish, the concn decreased to one tenth the initial concn in 2 hr(6). A BCF of 15,800 was reported in fathead minnows using 14C labeled phenol(7). Minor amounts of 14C in tissues were present as parent compound after 28 days of exposure to radiolabeled phenol(7). Parent compound comprised 1.5% of total 14C as phenol after 28 days of depuration(7). According to a classification scheme(8), reported BCF values and the rapid elimination of phenol suggests that bioaccumulation of phenol is unlikely(SRC). According to a classification scheme, BCF values <30 are low and from 100 or greater are high(8). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: The Koc for phenol in a Batcombe silt loam soil (pH 6.7, organic carbon 2.51%) is 30.2(1). The Koc for phenol is 16.1 for a Brookstone clay loam (pH 5.7, organic matter 5.1%) and varied with pH and iron content of the soil(2). The Freundlich K (1/N) for phenol in Captina (pH 5.7, 1.1 % organic matter) and Palouse silt loam (pH 5.7, 3.6% organic matter) soils are 0.58 (1.15) and 0.81 (1.00)(3); the Koc values for these soils are 91 and 38.8(SRC). Based on a classification scheme(4), Koc values in these ranges, indicate that phenol is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of phenol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC), given a Henry's law constant of 3.33X10-7 atm cu m/mol at 25 °C(5). Phenol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC), based upon a measured vapor pressure of 0.35 mm Hg at 25 °C(6). Phenol degradation in soil is completed in 2-5 days, even in subsurface soils(7). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 2900 and 3100 for phenol in <2 um and >2 um sediment, respectively (2), indicates that phenol is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces would not be expected to be a major fate process(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.33X10-7 atm cu m/mol at 25 °C(4). The pKa of phenol is 9.99(5), indicating that phenol will primarily exist in its un-ionized form in the environment. The BCFs reported in fish include: Goldorfe, 20(6); goldfish (Carassius auratus), 1.9(7); fish (unspecified), 17(8); fish (unspecified), 1.7(9); and 39, rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)(10). According to a classification scheme(11), reported BCF values and the rapid elimination of phenol suggests that bioaccumulation of phenol is unlikely(SRC). According to a classification scheme(11), BCF values <30 are low and from 100 or greater are high. No oxidants were formed when an aqueous phenol solution was irradiated with sunlight for 5 hours(12). Phenol is completely mineralized in <1 day in water from 3 lakes; rates increase with increasing concns of phenol and the organic content of the water (e.g. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), phenol, which has a measured vapor pressure of 0.35 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. The measured rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of phenol with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.63X10-11 cu cm/molecule s at 25 °C(3). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of 14.6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(SRC). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of phenol with nitrate radicals is 3.92X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 23 °C(4,5). This corresponds to a half-life of 12 minutes at a nitrate radical concn of 2.4X10+8 per cu cm (over continental areas)(SRC). The reaction with nitrate radicals is only important during the nighttime(SRC). Phenol does not absorb UV radiation >290(6), and would not be expected to undergo direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Stabilizing agent; Other; Ion exchange agent; Polymerization promoter; Solvent; Cleaning agent; Abrasives; Laboratory chemicals; Fuel; Fuel agents; Intermediate; Monomers Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Uses: The primary use of phenol is in the production of phenolic resins, which are used in the plywood, construction, automotive, and appliance industries. Other uses of phenol include as a slimicide, as a disinfectant, and in medicinal products such as ear and nose drops, throat lozenges, and mouthwashes. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Sources/Uses: Used in organic synthesis and as a disinfectant; [ACGIH] Used mainly as an intermediate for chemicals and resins; Also used in cosmetics, medical preparations, non-agricultural biocides, adhesives, binders, impregnating agents, paints, lacquers, varnishes, solvents, flooring, hardeners, and insulating materials; [CPS&Q: RARs - Final Report] Used as a flavoring agent; [FDA] Other uses include reagent in chemical analysis, in germicidal paints and slimicides, as a preservative for pharmaceutical injections, and in human and veterinary medicine; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Molding and Core Making [Category: Foundry]; Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]; Burning Synthetic Polymers [Category: Burn] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Activities with risk of exposure: Sculpturing plastics [Category: Hobbies]; Lithography printing [Category: Hobbies]; Smoking cigarettes [Category: Food & Drugs] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For phenol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 064001) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: As a general disinfectant, either in soln or mixed with slaked lime, etc., for toilets, stables, cesspools, floors, drains, etc.; for the manuf of colorless or light-colored artificial resins, many medical and industrial organic compds and dyes; as a reagent in chemical analysis. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Phenol is bacteriostatic in concentrations of approx 0.2%, bactericidal above 1%, and fungicidal above 1.3%. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Chemical intermediate for phenolic resins and bisphenol A. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for PHENOL (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Phenol is used to make plastics. Phenol is also used as a disinfectant in household cleaning products and in consumer products such as mouthwashes, gargles, throat sprays. Exposure may result from breathing air containing phenol and drinking contaminated water or eating food contaminated with phenol. Exposure also occurs through dermal contact with contaminated air or by skin contact with products containing phenol. Dermal contact can occur through the use of general disinfectants and ointments containing phenol. Ingestion can occur through the use of products such as throat lozenges or sore throat sprays that contain phenol. (L624) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

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Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

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Record details

Chemical name

Phenol

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2009/1223

See every entry this act set

SCCS opinions

Identified ingredients

CMR

CategoryCarcinogenicMutagenicReprotoxic
Cat. 2—✓—

Key data

CAS
108-95-2
EC
203-632-7
Annex
II
Entry number
1175

Inventory links for Phenol

Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 84278

PHENOL

CAS: 108-95-2
EC: 203-632-7

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.

Annex II 1178
Nearby record in the same annex

Propargite (ISO)

CAS: 2312-35-8
EC: 219-006-1
Annex II 1180
Nearby record in the same annex

Molinate (ISO)

CAS: 2212-67-1
EC: 218-661-0
Annex II 1167
Nearby record in the same annex

Naphthalene

CAS: 91-20-3
EC: 202-049-5

What Annex II means for Phenol

Phenol is listed as a prohibited substance under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and must not be intentionally added. Article 17 separately addresses unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice and compatible with the Article 3 safety requirement.

Formulators must screen their ingredients and raw materials to ensure none contain this substance. Suppliers should provide documentation confirming absence when requested.

This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Verify this substance is absent from all raw materials and finished formulations.
  • Request absence confirmation or CoA from raw material suppliers.
  • Document the screening result in the Product Information File (PIF).
  • This substance has CMR classification. Review the CMR table above and verify current Annex II/III status before use.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Phenol is listed in Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and is prohibited as an intentionally added cosmetic ingredient. Article 17 provides a narrow exception for unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice, provided the product remains safe under Article 3.

CAS 108-95-2 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Phenol by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

Phenol has a CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) classification under EU CLP Regulation. Under Article 15 of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, CMR substances of category 1A or 1B are prohibited in cosmetics unless specifically permitted. Category 2 CMR substances may be used only if assessed safe by the SCCS. Always verify current annex status and any applicable derogations before use.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex II record Phenol

This page summarizes one Annex II record for Phenol from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

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