An antimicrobial compound containing six chlorine atoms, formerly widely used as a disinfectant in personal care products.
From 'hexa-' (six) plus 'chloro-' (chlorine) plus 'phene' from phenol. Developed in the 1950s during the post-WWII chemical innovation boom, this was marketed as a miracle disinfectant.
For decades, 'HCP' was in everything from deodorant to toothpaste because it seemed perfect—until scientists realized the accumulation of chlorinated compounds in our bodies might cause neurological problems.
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