Thymol
A cosmetic ingredient used as denaturant, fragrance, hair dyeing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Phenol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-
What does it do?
Thymol is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Denaturant
makes ethanol in cosmetics unfit for drinking — required by regulation when alcohol is used
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Fragrance
provides scent or masks the natural odour of other ingredients
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Hair dyeing
colours hair, either by depositing pigment on the surface or by chemically altering the hair's natural pigment
EU regulatory status
Thymol is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Thymol?
Thymol is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Phenol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-
Is Thymol allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Thymol is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Thymol do in cosmetic products?
Thymol is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: denaturant, fragrance, hair dyeing.
What is the CAS number of Thymol?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Thymol is 89-83-8.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010