Isopropyl methylphenol

O-Cymen-5-Ol. Isopropyl methylphenol by Osaka Kasei is a bactericidal-, antiseptic- and fungicidal agent. It is an isomer of thymol, a primary component of volatile oil from labiate plants. It exhibits antioxidative effect along with favorable physicochemical properties such as excellent efficacy and mild action. It is effective for a wide range of bacteria/yeast/fungi (O-157, MRSA, serratia, athlete's foot [trichophyton]) in vitro. It has almost no irritant action and does not induce skin allergy at 2% concentration. It absorbs ultraviolet rays with peak absorption at 279 nm. It is advantageous for preservation of quality of preparations including cosmetics in which large amounts of materials are contained that are likely to degrade by oxidization (such as oils and fats, perfumes, vitamins and hormones). It has mild astringency and provides a pleasant feature when used in cosmetics. It is long-acting and highly stable against air, light, temperature, and humidity. It is free from halogen, heavy metal or environmental hormones. The antimicrobial spectrum of Isopropyl methylphenol is wide as compared to the other antibacterial agents. It is suitable as preservative for creams, lipsticks, and hairdressings. It is also used in oral care and hand soaps.