murphyCarvacrol
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
Not Clean
OriginCarvacrol is a phenolic monoterpene isolated from plants in the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. Steam-distilled from the aerial parts of oregano and thyme plants to obtain the essential oil. The isolated compound is then synthesized or concentrated through chemical isomerization to achieve pure carvacrol for cosmetic formulation.
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]
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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
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.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients; not tested individually (CIR 277)
Mixed Sensitization Results
3 studies / 2 sensitizing / 1 not sensitizing / plus 3 case reports (CIR 277)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating (CIR 277)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR