Carvacrol

AKA: 5-Isopropyl-2-methylphenol, 499-75-2, Isopropyl-o-cresol, Antioxine, 2-p-Cymenol, 5-Isopropyl-o-cresol, 2-Hydroxy-p-cymene, Karvakrol, P-Cymen-2-ol
Synthetic
Fragrance
Mediterranean
Not Clean
2-Methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)phenol; 2-Hydroxy-p-cymene; 5-Isopropyl-o-cresol
Solubility SLIGHTLY SOL IN WATER; SOL IN ETHANOL, ETHER, ALKALIS; VERY SOLUBLE IN ACETONE
Formula
C10H14O
Mol. Weight
150.22
CAS #
499-75-2
Form
Liquid
State
Thick colorless liquid; [Hawley] Clear, deep yellow liquid; [MSDSonline]
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Adds Fragrance
Antioxidant Protection
Anti-Aging Benefits
Reduces Inflammation
Traditional Use
A phenolic compound found in oregano and thyme, traditionally used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern folk medicine for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory purposes. Historically employed as a natural preservative and skin irritation treatment in herbal remedies.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-3
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR