p-Chloro-m-Cresol
What is it?
Cresols (p-Chloro-m-Cresol, Mixed Cresols, m-Cresol, o-Cresol, p-Cresol) and Isopropyl Cresols (Chlorothymol, Thymol, o-Cymen-5-ol, Carvacrol) can all be in the form of crystals. These ingredients may be used in bath, skin, personal care and hair products, hair dyes and mouthwashes.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits the use of Thymol as a direct and food additive (as a flavoring substance) and as an indirect food additive (for use in paper an paperboard in contact with food).
The safety of Cresols and Isopropyl Cresols including Thymol has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Sodium p-Chloro-m-Cresol, p-Chloro-m-Cresol, Chlorothymol, m-Cresol, o-Cresol, Isopropyl Cresols, Thymol, o-Cymen-5-ol and Carvacrol were safe at concentrations up to 0.5% in cosmetics and personal care products; however, the available data were insufficient to support the safety of p-Cresol and Mixed Cresols for use in cosmetic and personal care products.
The safety of Cresols and Isopropyl Cresols including Thymol has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Sodium p-Chloro-m-Cresol, p-Chloro-m-Cresol, Chlorothymol, m-Cresol, o-Cresol, Isopropyl Cresols, Thymol, o-Cymen-5-ol and Carvacrol were safe at concentrations up to 0.5% in cosmetics and personal care products; however, the available data were insufficient to support the safety of p-Cresol and Mixed Cresols for use in cosmetic and personal care products.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
In cosmetics and personal care products, the Cresol and Isocresol ingredients are used as cosmetic biocides/preservatives and/or fragrance ingredients.
Follow this link for more information about how preserviatives protect cosmetics and personal care products.
Follow this link for more information about how preserviatives protect cosmetics and personal care products.
Scientific facts:
Cresols are methylphenol compounds which are naturally occuring or synthetic. For example, Thymol, also called isopropyl-m-cresol, thyme camphor or thymic acid, is obtained from the essential oil of the herb thyme, Thymus vulgaris. It is also produced synthetically. Thymol is effective as an antifungal preservative. Thymol has a characteristic pungent odor and a somewhat caustic taste.
