P-CYMENE
Other
Good
CAS Number: 99-87-6
About P-CYMENE
P-Cymene is a cosmetic ingredient used in product formulations. Its specific function may vary between products. Exercise caution due to limited available safety data.
Detailed Analysis
p-Cymene (4-isopropyltoluene) is an aromatic hydrocarbon that occurs naturally in over 100 essential oils including cumin, thyme, and coriander. It functions primarily as a fragrance ingredient and is not subject to significant restriction under EU Regulation 1223/2009. However, like other terpene hydrocarbons, p-cymene is prone to auto-oxidation, forming peroxides and hydroperoxides that can act as skin sensitizers. The SCCS recommends antioxidant stabilization (e.g., with BHT or alpha-tocopherol) for products containing terpenes to prevent oxidation before consumer use. The EU requires allergen labeling for natural fragrance components derived from essential oils containing p-cymene when above threshold concentrations.
Skin Benefits
- ✓ Natural aromatic component in essential oils
- ✓ Widely found in food and cosmetic grade natural extracts
Known Concerns
- ⚠ Auto-oxidation to skin-sensitizing peroxide products
- ⚠ EU allergen labeling for essential oil-derived p-cymene
- ⚠ Requires antioxidant protection for stable formulations
- ⚠ Concentration-dependent sensitization risk from oxidation products
Safety Score
Good
Based on EU regulatory data, published safety research, and ingredient function analysis.
References
EU CosIng Database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry
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