Carvacrol is a naturally occurring monoterpenoid phenol found in several aromatic plants and essential oils, particularly oregano and thyme. It is closely related structurally to Thymol and is recognized for its characteristic warm, spicy, herbaceous and phenolic odor. Carvacrol has the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₄O and a molecular weight of 150.22 g/mol.
As a specialty cosmetic ingredient, Carvacrol is primarily associated with fragrance and antimicrobial-related applications. Its phenolic chemical structure has been extensively studied for antimicrobial activity, while its distinctive odor makes it relevant to fragrance and personal-care formulation systems. The actual function in a finished cosmetic product depends on the formulation and applicable regulatory requirements.
Carvacrol is identified by CAS Number 499-75-2 and is also known as 5-Isopropyl-2-methylphenol, 2-Methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)phenol, Isothymol and Cymophenol. Its molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₄O, with a molecular weight of 150.22 g/mol.
Carvacrol is generally supplied as a colourless to pale yellow liquid or crystalline material, depending on temperature and grade. Its melting point is approximately 1°C, while its boiling point is around 237–238°C. At ordinary temperatures above its melting point, it is generally handled as a liquid.
The material is practically insoluble or very slightly soluble in water but is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether and acetone. Because of its strong aromatic character and relatively low melting point, suitable packaging and storage conditions are important for maintaining product quality.
Carvacrol is relevant to cosmetic formulation primarily because of its fragrance and antimicrobial-related properties. It has a characteristic spicy, woody, camphoraceous and phenolic odor that can contribute to fragrance compositions and personal-care products.
Scientific literature has extensively investigated Carvacrol's antimicrobial activity. Its lipophilic phenolic structure can interact with microbial cell membranes, affecting membrane integrity and permeability. These findings explain why Carvacrol has attracted interest in antimicrobial and preservation-oriented formulation research.
However, demonstrated antimicrobial activity of a raw material should not automatically be interpreted as authorization to use Carvacrol as a preservative in every cosmetic formulation. The intended function, concentration and regulatory status should be evaluated for the specific finished product and target market.
Carvacrol Cosmetic Ingredient can be considered for fragrance formulations, creams, lotions, soaps, cleansing products, personal-care formulations and specialty cosmetic systems.
Its strong aromatic profile makes it useful in fragrance compositions requiring spicy, herbal, woody or phenolic characteristics. Commercial fragrance references also describe applications in creams, lotions, soaps and detergents.
Carvacrol may additionally be evaluated in formulations where antimicrobial functionality is desirable. Formulators should distinguish between its technical antimicrobial properties and its regulatory status as a cosmetic preservative. Any finished-product preservation system should be validated through appropriate challenge testing and regulatory assessment.
Carvacrol has very limited water solubility, so formulators developing aqueous cosmetic systems should consider an appropriate solubilization or emulsification approach. It is more readily incorporated into suitable oils and organic solvent systems.
Its relatively low melting point means that the material may be liquid at normal room temperatures. Temperature, packaging compatibility, oxidation control and exposure to air should therefore be considered during storage and formulation.
Commercial grades can have different purity specifications and analytical methods. For example, fragrance-grade Carvacrol is commercially available at ≥98% purity, while specific analytical or food-grade materials may have different requirements. These are grade-specific values and should not be presented as a universal cosmetic specification.
For quality control, relevant parameters can include identification, chromatographic purity, assay, water content, residue, density, refractive index and related substances. GC is particularly relevant for evaluating volatile aromatic materials such as Carvacrol.
Carvacrol is a specialty aromatic ingredient suitable for fragrance-oriented and selected personal-care formulation applications. A reliable Carvacrol Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India can provide material with defined chemical identity, purity and physical characteristics according to the required grade.
As a Carvacrol manufacturer and supplier in India, Swapnroop can support bulk requirements for cosmetic raw materials and specialty ingredients. Product specifications can be established according to the intended application, analytical method and customer quality requirements.
For manufacturers and formulators, controlling purity, odor profile, physical state and analytical characteristics is important when incorporating Carvacrol into commercial cosmetic formulations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |