Ingredient Dictionary

CARVACROL

Carvacrol is a phenol that is a natural monoterpene derivative of cymene.

Definition

Carvacrol is a phenol that is a natural monoterpene derivative of cymene. An inhibitor of bacterial growth, it is used as a food additive. Potent activator of the human ion channels transient receptor potential V3 (TRPV3) and A1 (TRPA1). It has a role as a TRPA1 channel agonist, a volatile oil component, an antimicrobial agent, an agrochemical and a flavouring agent. It is a p-menthane monoterpenoid, a member of phenols and a botanical anti-fungal agent. It derives from a hydride of a p-cymene.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII 9B1J4V995Q · registered name CARVACROL · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Gives the product a scentPERFUMING

Safety & regulatory references

Not classified under Korea’s toxic-substance GHS list · existing chemical substance

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

Reviewed by CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium p-Chloro-m-Cresol, p-Chloro-m-Cresol, Chlorothymol, Mixed Cresols, m-Cresol, o-Cresol, p-Cresol, Isopropyl Cresols, Thymol, o-Cymen-5-ol and Carvacrol

Source: US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name カルバクロール: 本品は、次の化学式で表される有機化合物である。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

CARVACROLINCI카바크롤Korean label name (MFDS standard)Phenol, 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-SynonymカルバクロールJapanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 499-75-2
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 207-889-6
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID6042074
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID4022074

IUPAC: 2-Methyl-5-(propan-2-yl)phenol
Molecular formula: C10H14O
Molecular weight: 150.221 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: Thick colorless liquid, [Hawley] Clear, deep yellow liquid, [MSDSonline] · Liquid
Odour: THYMOL ODOR · MEDICINAL SMOKE ODOR
Boiling point: 237-238 °C @ 760 MM HG · 237.70 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Melting point: 1 °C · 3.5 °C
Solubility: SLIGHTLY SOL IN WATER, SOL IN ETHANOL, ETHER, ALKALIS, VERY SOLUBLE IN ACETONE · 1.25 mg/mL at 25 °C
Density: 0.976 @ 20 °C/4 °C · 0.974-0.979
Colour: colourless
Melting/freezing point: 1 ℃
Initial boiling point and range: 237~238 ℃ (760mmHg)
Flash point: 100 ℃
Vapour pressure: 0.0232 ㎜Hg (25℃)
Water solubility: 1250 ㎎/ℓ (25℃)
Relative density: 0.9772 (20℃)
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): 3.49
Molecular weight: 150.217

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 9 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Fragrance7
Flavouring and nutrient2

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

3 skin studies and 1 eye studies are on record.

Classed as moderate1

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 4 studies

SkinIrr2
Skin Irritation · QSAR Predicted
Category 6.3A (Category 2)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
SkinSens1
Skin Sensitization · QSAR Predicted
Category 6.4A (Category 2A)
Eye Irritation · Read Across