Ingredient decoder

Thymol: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Thymol

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Thyme compound with antimicrobial action, can irritate.

  • Denaturant
  • Hair dyeing
  • Masking

Thymol in plain English

Thymol is the main compound in thyme oil, used for its herbal scent and its ability to slow the growth of microbes. It is common in mouthwash and some natural preservative blends. It can irritate skin at higher levels, so it is worth watching if your acne-prone skin reacts easily, even though it does not clog pores.

Is thymol bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Thymol is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Thymol
  • Thyme camphor
  • Isopropyl cresol
  • 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol

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Frequently asked questions

Is thymol comedogenic?

Thymol has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does thymol do in skincare?

In short: thyme compound with antimicrobial action, can irritate. In formulas it is used for denaturant, hair dyeing and masking.

What else is thymol called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, thymol can also appear as Thyme camphor, Isopropyl cresol or 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol.

Sources