Thymol

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Thymol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Thymol is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults, thymol is usually safe in skin products when it’s used at low, controlled amounts. It helps reduce bacteria but can cause redness, stinging, or an allergic reaction in some people.

What to Do

Use products that list thymol at regulated or low concentrations (follow product labeling). Do a small patch test on the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use. Don’t use undiluted thymol or concentrated essential oils on skin. Avoid applying to broken or irritated skin and keep away from the eyes and mouth. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have sensitive skin, talk with your healthcare provider before regular use.

⚠️Warnings

Pay attention to professional safety reviews and regulators: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) notes it can increase skin absorption and recommends concentration limits; Japan’s health authority restricts its use in some cosmetics (concentration limits); EU workplace hazard codes flag limits for handling (occupational exposure); some product verification programs restrict this ingredient unless there is adequate safety documentation. If you experience strong irritation, rash, swelling, or breathing problems, stop use and seek medical help.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: European hazard labeling flags thymol as toxic or harmful to body systems in some tests, and industry reviews note non-reproductive organ toxicity at higher exposures. That means repeated or strong contact could hurt organs such as the liver, lungs, or kidneys.
Absorbed: A cosmetic safety review lists thymol as a skin penetration enhancer. This means it can help itself or other ingredients soak through skin and get into the bloodstream.
Banned: Some regulators restrict how thymol can be used or set concentration limits (for example in Japan), and certain product certification programs require proof before it is allowed. That shows it is limited or controlled in some places.
Environmental: European hazard codes identify possible harm to wildlife and the environment from thymol in some situations. This means it can be toxic to plants or animals if released into nature.
Irritant: Workplace guidance and hazard labeling note handling risks and limit allowed exposures, which indicates thymol can irritate skin, eyes, or breathing when people handle it without protection.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Thymol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

thymolTHYMOL, PRIMARY PHARMACEUTICAL REFERENCE STANDARDSR-01000763796ST50586034FT-0612711Q408883AE-562/43461428M0410D01039A845314C09908

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Thymol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Thymol or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Thymol

Is this safe for adults to use Thymol?

Yes, Thymol is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Thymol for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the absorbed risks of Thymol for adults?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What are the banned risks of Thymol for adults?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the environmental risks of Thymol for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What are the irritant risks of Thymol for adults?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What products contain Thymol?

Thymol is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Thymol?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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