Ingredient Dictionary

O-CRESOL

O-cresol is a cresol that is phenol substituted by a methyl group at position 2.

Definition

O-cresol is a cresol that is phenol substituted by a methyl group at position 2. It is a minor urinary metabolite of toluene. It has a role as a human xenobiotic metabolite.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII YW84DH5I7U · registered name Orthocresol · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Gives the product a scentPERFUMINGInhibits microbial growthANTIMICROBIAL

Safety & regulatory references

Restricted: Canada

Source: Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist

Korea’s toxic-substance GHS classification: Danger · H314 (category 1) · H301 (category 3) · H311 (category 3)

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist · restricted with conditions · a) Not permitted in cosmetics intended to be used on or around mucosal membranes such as eyes, mouth or nose

Source: Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist

Reviewed by CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium p-Chloro-m-Cresol, p-Chloro-m-Cresol, Chlorothymol, Mixed Cresols, m-Cresol, o-Cresol, p-Cresol, Isopropyl Cresols, Thymol, o-Cymen-5-ol and Carvacrol

Source: US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Names & identifiers

O-CRESOLINCIo-크레졸Korean label name (MFDS standard)Phenol, 2-methyl-Synonym

CAS No.chemical registry number: 95-48-7
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 202-423-8
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID8021808
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID901808

IUPAC: 2-Methylphenol
Molecular formula: C7H8O
Molecular weight: 108.14 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: liquid
Colour: colourless
Melting/freezing point: 30 ℃
Initial boiling point and range: 191 ℃
Flash point: 81 ℃
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: 1.3 %
Vapour pressure: 3.7 ㎜Hg (25℃)
Water solubility: 2.5 g/100㎖ (25℃)
Vapour density: 3.72
Relative density: 1.05
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): 1.95
Auto-ignition temperature: 555 ℃
Viscosity: 3060000
Molecular weight: 108.13

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 19 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Processing aids not otherwise specified5
Fragrance3
Solvent3
Catalyst2
Flavouring and nutrient2
Fuel agents1
Intermediate1
Monomers1

1 other uses

Biocide1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

7 skin studies and 3 eye studies are on record.

Classed as highly irritating1

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 10 studies

Category 1
Skin Irritation · Screening
Skin Corr. 1B
Skin Irritation · Authoritative
Skin corrosion - category 1A
Skin Irritation · Screening
Skin corrosion/irritation - Category 1
Skin Irritation · Screening
Corrosive
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion) equivalent or similar to
Category 8.2C (Category 1C)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Classification not possible
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Corrosive or Irritation Persists for > 21 days
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) equivalent or similar to
Category 8.3A (Category 1)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Category 1
Eye Irritation · Screening