Thymol

AKA: 89-83-8, 2-Isopropyl-5-methylphenol, Thyme camphor, 5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)phenol, 5-Methyl-2-isopropylphenol, 6-Isopropyl-m-cresol, 3-p-Cymenol, M-Thymol, P-Cymen-3-ol
Synthetic
Not Clean
OriginThymol is a naturally occurring phenolic monoterpene compound synthesized from p-cymene or derived from thyme essential oil. It is produced through catalytic isomerization of p-cymene or isolated via steam distillation and purification of thyme plant material.
Phenol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-
Solubility 900
Formula
C10H14O
Mol. Weight
150.22
CAS #
89-83-8
Form
Liquid
State
Colorless or white solid with an herbal odor like thyme; [HSDB] White crystalline solid with an odor like phenol; [MSDSonline]
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Denaturant
Hair Dyeing
Oral Care
Skin Conditioning Miscellaneous
Wound Healing
Antioxidant
Improves skin feel
Supports dental health
Provides scent
Makes alcohol undrinkable
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
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)
Not a Skin Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 277)
Mixed Sensitization Results
4 studies / 1 sensitizing / 3 not sensitizing / plus 3 case reports (CIR 277)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
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