Characterization of photoproducts and global ecotoxicity of chlorphenesin: A preservative used in skin care products

Abstract

Photolysis experiments of chlorphenesin, used as a preservative in cosmetic products, were performed in aqueous solution and on a cream used in cosmetics. Three by‐products resulting from the direct UV‐visible photodegradation of chlorphenesin were characterized by chromatography (gas and liquid) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS and LC‐HR MS/MS) and found in both solutions. In vitro tests on Vibrio fischeri bacteria showed that the overall ecotoxicity of chlorphenesin increased with increasing irradiation time in both samples. In silico QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) tests were performed using T.E.S.T. (Toxicity Estimation Software Tool). Among the degradation compounds identified, 4‐chlorophenol must contribute to the increased ecotoxicity of the photolyzed solution since the in silico LC50 estimated for all tests performed are always lower than those obtained for chlorphenesin.

Decoding Cosmetic Complexities: A Comprehensive Guide to Matrix Composition and Pretreatment Technology

“…Formaldehyde releasers, including imidazolidinyl urea and dimethyloldimethyl hydantoin (DMDMH), ensure low levels of free formaldehyde, providing microbial protection [ 26 ]. Ether alcohols, such as chlorphenesin, 2-phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, pentanediol, hexanediol, and octanediol, recognized as gentler preservative alternatives, also offer broad-spectrum antibacterial benefits [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Organic acids and their salts, containing levulinic acid, anisic acid, sorbic acid/potassium sorbate, and benzoic acid/sodium benzoate, although less effective against bacteria, inhibit fungi and are often used in combination with other substances like hydantoin for enhanced preservation [ 30 , 31 ].…”

“…Organic acids and their salts, containing levulinic acid, anisic acid, sorbic acid/potassium sorbate, and benzoic acid/sodium benzoate, although less effective against bacteria, inhibit fungi and are often used in combination with other substances like hydantoin for enhanced preservation [30,31]. Ether alcohols, such as chlorphenesin, 2-phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, pentanediol, hexanediol, and octanediol, recognized as gentler preservative alternatives, also offer broad-spectrum antibacterial benefits [27][28][29]. Organic acids and their salts, containing levulinic acid, anisic acid, sorbic acid/potassium sorbate, and benzoic acid/sodium benzoate, although less effective against bacteria, inhibit fungi and are often used in combination with other substances like hydantoin for enhanced preservation [30,31].…”

Cosmetic Ingredient: Metabolism and Mechanism

“…As a result of its degradation, chlorphenesin's overall ecotoxicity increased with increased irradiation time in both samples. [28] Table 1. Summary of mentioned preservatives metabolism Preservative type Metabolism (oral) Metabolism (dermal) References Parabens >70% in urine, 2% in tissue, <4% in feces.…”

Investigation of the pharmacological effects and analytical methods of Meclofenoxate and its metabolites

“…Meclofenoxate is rapidly degraded to 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA) in biological fluids (e.g. human plasma or urine) [6], but the presence of 4-CPA in urine may result not only from the use of meclofenoxate but also from the following permitted dosing: (1) foods containing 4-CPA residues, which are also used as herbicides and plant growth regulators in some countries or regions of the world [7][8][9] ; (2) chlorphenesin [3-(p-chlorophenoxy)-propane-1,2-diol], a non-prohibited substance used as a preservative in cosmetics and lotions [10]or approved for use in specific countries, such as chlorfenvinyl carbamate, a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant used to relieve muscle pain that can be converted to 4-CPA in vivo and therefore also represents a potential source of target analytes to be considered in anti-doping testing procedures to be considered in antidoping testing procedures [11].…”