o-Cymen-5-ol
o-Cymen-5-ol
- Role
- An antimicrobial ingredient that holds back bacteria and so helps against odor.
- Catalog formulas
- 3
- Type
- Odor
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
Chemically it is 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol. CosIng lists three functions: antimicrobial, deodorant and preservative.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In the Japanese roll-ons in the catalog it is listed among the active ingredients together with an aluminum salt: the salt reduces sweat, while o-Cymen-5-ol targets the bacteria that cause odor. It does not reduce sweating by itself.
In the EU it is permitted as a preservative under Annex V of Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 38) at up to 0.1% in the finished product.
Like other antimicrobial ingredients, it may cause an individual reaction; the permitted limit is set for cosmetic use.
Not p-Cymene, a fragrance hydrocarbon with a similar name. Nor is it thymol (Thymol), although p-Thymol appears among the synonyms of o-Cymen-5-ol.
Products containing o-Cymen-5-ol
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- CosIng Checker: Annex V, entry 38 (o-Cymen-5-ol) Supports: permitted concentration, substance identity
- COSMILE Europe (CosIng data): o-Cymen-5-ol Supports: function