Chloroxylenol vs. Triclosan — What's the Difference?

Chloroxylenol, also known as para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), is an antiseptic and disinfectant which is used for skin disinfection, and together with alcohol for cleaning surgical instruments. It is also used within a number of household disinfectants and wound cleaners.

Triclosan (sometimes abbreviated as TCS) is an antibacterial and antifungal agent present in some consumer products, including toothpaste, soaps, detergents, toys, and surgical cleaning treatments. It is similar in its uses and mechanism of action to triclocarban.

(chemistry) A compound with the chemical formula C₈H₉ClO, commonly used in antibacterial soaps and toxic to fish.

(organic compound) A widely used wide-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent, with molecular formula C₁₂H₇Cl₃O₂, which works by disrupting the growth of microbes, rather than actively killing them.