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The ingredient, explained

Thymol

A primary study examines this ingredient in the specified preparation and setting.

DenaturantHair dyeingMasking
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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Phenol, 5-methyl-2--1-methylethyl--

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Denaturant
Makes a product unpalatable, often in alcohol-containing formulas.
Hair dyeing
Adds colour to hair.
Masking
Reduces or conceals the formula's underlying odour or taste.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human oral care research

Combination gel reduced gingival bleeding and inflammation during application.

What this does not tell us

Four-active combination, orthodontic gingivitis and oral mucosa. No isolated thymol effect. Abstract does not specify interval duration.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 26280662 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Read the 1 selected study

Follow the formula

Products containing this ingredient

All 5 products ↗

From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Names and identifiers

Registry identity

Phenol, 5-methyl-2--1-methylethyl--

INCI name on ingredient lists
THYMOL
CAS registry number
89-83-8
EC number
201-944-8
Other recorded names (1)
  • thymolum

Sources for this ingredient record