Phenol

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Phenol?

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NOT RECOMMENDED

Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: Phenol not recommended for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For grown-ups: phenol can burn the skin and can be absorbed into the body. Many countries ban or limit its use in cosmetics. It is not a safe ingredient for everyday skincare.

✅What to Do

Avoid skincare or cosmetic products that list phenol or 'carbolic acid' on the label. Only accept treatments containing phenol when done by a trained health professional (for example, certain medical skin procedures) and follow their instructions closely. Do not leave products with phenol on the skin for long periods; rinse thoroughly if contact occurs. Keep any phenol-containing product locked away from children.

⚠️Warnings

Do not apply phenol to broken, red, or irritated skin or near the eyes or mouth. Stop use and seek medical help if you get severe burning, blisters, fainting, dizziness, breathing trouble, or other strong reactions. Public health authorities (for example, Health Canada and the European cosmetics rules) have banned or found phenol unsafe for cosmetic use; some countries (for example, Japan) limit how much can be used. Other health agencies note possible damage to the lungs or other organs with higher exposures. These official restrictions are the reason to avoid phenol in regular skincare.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: This ingredient is banned or tightly restricted for use in cosmetics by multiple government bodies. Health Canada and the EU cosmetics rules list it as not allowed in cosmetics, and Japan limits how much can be used. Those official restrictions mean some regulators found it unsafe for regular cosmetic use.

Organ Risk: Official hazard listings classify this chemical as toxic or harmful to body organs. An EU hazard classification notes organ toxicity, the U.S. EPA calls it a known human respiratory toxicant, and medical sources report limited evidence of effects on the heart and liver. Repeated or heavy exposure can hurt organs.

Fertility: A major chemical agency reports this substance as a possible human reproductive or developmental toxin. That means it could affect fertility or cause harm during pregnancy or development in ways that matter for children and future fertility.

Brain Development: Because a regulatory review flags possible developmental toxicity, this chemical could affect how a child’s body and brain develop. The developmental concern from the chemical agency supports caution for babies and pregnant people.

Asthma: The U.S. EPA identifies this chemical as a respiratory toxicant. That means it can irritate or harm the lungs and could make breathing problems or asthma symptoms worse in children sensitive to lung irritants.

Builds Up: Peer‑reviewed studies report the chemical can be persistent and bioaccumulate in wildlife. Although some government reviews differ, the scientific literature shows potential for this substance to stick around and build up in the environment and animals over time.

Environmental: Official hazard labeling and regulatory reviews flag risks to wildlife and the environment. Both EU hazard codes and the U.S. EPA note environmental toxicity, so this ingredient can harm animals and ecosystems if released.

Long-Term Risk: Animal studies and regulatory reviews show toxic effects at low to moderate doses and note data gaps about safety. Combined with persistence concerns, this points to possible long-term health effects from repeated exposures over time.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Phenol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

phenolPHENOL SOLUTION, 5000 MUG/ML IN METHANOL, CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALPHENOL SOLUTION, CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIAL, 500 MUG/ML IN METHANOLPHENOL, PURISS. P.A., ACS REAGENT, REAG. PH. EUR., 99.0-100.5%PHENOL SOLUTION, BIOREAGENT, SATURATED WITH 0.1 M CITRATE BUFFER, PH??4.3 +/- 0.2, FOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGYPHENOL, PURISS., MEETS ANALYTICAL SPECIFICATION OF PH. EUR., BP, USP, 99.5-100.5% (GC)PHENOL, CONTAINS HYPOPHOSPHOROUS AS STABILIZER, LOOSE CRYSTALS, ACS REAGENT, >=99.0%PHENOL, BIOULTRA, FOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, TE-SATURATED, ~73% (T)P-HYDROXY POLYSTYRENE (100-200 MESH, 0.5-1.5 MMOL/G)@CRLFMFCD03703209PHENOL SOLUTION, BIOREAGENT, EQUILIBRATED WITH 10??MM TRIS HCL, PH??8.0, 1??MM EDTA, FOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGYPHENOL, PURISS., MEETS ANALYTICAL SPECIFICATION OF PH. EUR., BP, USP, >=99.5% (GC), CRYSTALLINE (DETACHED)

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Common Questions About Phenol

Is this safe for adults to use Phenol?

Phenol is not recommended for adults due to potential safety risks.

What are the banned risks of Phenol for adults?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the organ risk risks of Phenol for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the fertility risks of Phenol for adults?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues.

What are the brain development risks of Phenol for adults?

Possible effects on early brain growth and mental development.

What are the asthma risks of Phenol for adults?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids.

What are the builds up risks of Phenol for adults?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.

What are the environmental risks of Phenol for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What are the long-term risk risks of Phenol for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Phenol?

Phenol is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Phenol?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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