Thymol is a naturally occurring aromatic phenolic compound belonging to the monoterpene phenol family. It is associated with essential oils such as thyme and other aromatic botanical sources and is widely recognized for its characteristic warm, herbaceous and medicinal odor. Thymol has the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₄O and a molecular weight of 150.22 g/mol.
Thymol is used as a specialty cosmetic and personal-care ingredient where its aromatic characteristics and antimicrobial-related functionality are relevant. It is also used in fragrance and flavor-related applications. The material is normally supplied as white crystals or crystalline powder and has a relatively low melting range, making temperature-controlled storage and handling useful for maintaining its physical form.
Thymol is identified by CAS Number 89-83-8 and EC Number 201-944-8. Its chemical name is 5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)phenol, and it is also known by names including 2-Isopropyl-5-methylphenol, 5-Methyl-2-isopropylphenol, p-Cymen-3-ol and Thyme Camphor.
The molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₄O, with a molecular weight of 150.22 g/mol. Thymol is generally supplied as white crystals, crystalline powder or crystalline lumps. Its melting range is approximately 48–52°C, while its boiling point is approximately 232–233°C.
Thymol has limited water solubility but is soluble in ethanol and oils. The exact solubility can vary with temperature and test method. Because Thymol is a volatile aromatic material with a strong characteristic odor, appropriate packaging and storage conditions are important.
Thymol is relevant to cosmetic formulations because of its fragrance, antimicrobial and preservative-related properties. Its aromatic profile can contribute to the sensory characteristics of personal-care formulations, while its phenolic structure is associated with antimicrobial activity.
It can therefore be considered in specialized cosmetic and personal-care systems where an aromatic ingredient with antimicrobial functionality is desired. However, antimicrobial activity of a raw material should not automatically be interpreted as authorization to use it as a preservative in every cosmetic product or market.
Thymol's actual function and concentration should be determined according to the finished formulation, intended purpose, applicable regulations and safety assessment. Its strong odor also means that sensory compatibility with the finished product should be evaluated during formulation development.
Thymol Cosmetic Ingredient can be considered for fragrance formulations, personal-care products, oral-care formulations, cleansing products and specialty cosmetic systems where its aromatic and antimicrobial-related properties are relevant.
Its characteristic warm, herbaceous odor can be useful in fragrance-oriented applications. Thymol is also associated with oral-care and cleansing formulations because of its traditional antimicrobial functionality.
In formulation development, the ingredient can be evaluated alongside other fragrance components, solvents, surfactants and functional ingredients. The selected concentration should be established through formulation testing and should comply with the requirements applicable to the finished cosmetic product.
Thymol has relatively low water solubility, so formulators working with aqueous systems may need to consider suitable solubilization strategies. It is more readily incorporated into appropriate organic or oil-based systems.
Because its melting point is close to 50°C, Thymol can change from a crystalline solid to a liquid when exposed to elevated temperatures. Storage in a cool, dry and appropriately sealed environment can therefore help maintain product quality and physical characteristics.
Quality evaluation may include identity, assay, melting range, related substances, residue on evaporation, acidity and other relevant quality parameters. A pharmacopoeial-style reference specification reports 99.0–101.0% assay by GC, related substances not more than 1.0%, and residue on evaporation not more than 0.05%. USP's assay for Thymol is titrimetric rather than HPLC, so the pharmacopoeial assay should not be incorrectly entered as an HPLC result.
Thymol is a specialty aromatic ingredient used across fragrance, personal-care and other formulation systems. A reliable Thymol Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India can provide material with defined chemical identity, purity and physical characteristics for commercial formulation requirements.
As a Thymol manufacturer and supplier in India, Swapnroop can support bulk requirements for cosmetic raw materials and specialty ingredients. Product specifications can be selected according to the intended application, required analytical method and customer quality requirements.
For manufacturers and formulators, consistent assay, identity, melting range and related-substance control are important when incorporating Thymol into commercial formulations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 99.0–101.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 1.0% |
| Water Content | NMT 0.5% |
| Melting Point | 48–52°C |