Preservative ingredient
O-Cymen-5-Ol
A synthetic phenol derivative (4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol) used as a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative with antibacterial and antifungal activity; permitted up to 0.1% in the EU.
Also known as: 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol, isopropyl cresol
preservativeantimicrobial
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi
- ✓Effective at low concentrations (up to 0.1% EU / 0.5% CIR-assessed)
Watch for
- ⚠Neurotoxicity observed in animal studies at high doses (Japanese regulatory concern); EU permits up to 0.1% only
- ⚠Avoid in rinse-off vs leave-on: lower risk in rinse-off formulas
