o-Cymen-5-ol

o-Cymen-5-ol is a synthetic small molecule belonging to the isopropyl cresols family and is structurally related to thymol. It acts as an antimicrobial preservative with both antibacterial and antifungal properties. Its primary use is in cosmetics and personal care products (such as deodorants, oral care products like mouthwashes and toothpastes) where it inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi—including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger—and helps prolong product shelf life[1][5][7]. It has also been used as a substitute for triclosan in some formulations due to its efficacy at low concentrations[6]. In oral care applications (e.g., Dekasol BL), it helps fight periodontal disease by reducing microbial load[1][5]. o-Cymen-5-ol is approved for use in cosmetics up to 0.1% concentration in the EU and up to 0.5% by CIR/FDA in the US; however, there are stricter restrictions in Japan due to animal neurotoxicity findings[1][7].

Brand names

Cymen-5-OLCymen5-OLCymen 5-OL

Other names

4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol4-isopropyl-m-cresolp-thymol3-methyl-4-isopropylphenolo-cymen-5y-olo-cymen5y-olo-cymen 5y-ol