Dichlorophenes (inci)

Hydroxylated and chlorinated diphenylmethane used as an industrial biocide, as an algicide, bactericide with a wide range of activity. It also has antiparasitic and antimycotic effects.

Typical areas of application are/were e.g. additives to cooling water systems, slimicides in paper production, preservatives in dyes, adhesives, polymers and latex products, textiles and water-based products.

It is used as a drug in anthelmintics and in the form of powders, ointments or sprays as an antimycotic against mycoses and in cosmetics as a preservative.

Type IV sensitizations (contact allergies) are described. The sensitizing potential seems to decrease in recent years as the substance is increasingly less frequently used.

1. Barbuzza O et al (2008) Late patch test reaction to dichlorophene. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2008;18(4):317-8. PubMed PMID: 18714544.