6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Antimicrobial agent · Flavoring agent · Fragrance component · Preservative
Carvacrol
Also known as: Thymol, p-Cymen-2-ol, 5-Isopropyl-2-methylphenol
Molecular Formula
C10H14O
Molecular Weight
150.22 g/mol
Category
Natural Compound
Bottom Line: Carvacrol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in food products within regulatory limits
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are allergic to oregano or thyme
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to carvacrol
- you are using it in high concentrations
- you have a history of skin irritation
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H14O |
| Molecular Weight | 150.22 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 3.5°C |
| Boiling Point | 237.7°C |
| Solubility | miscible (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.1 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial cleansers, antiseptic creams, shampoos. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation.
Food
Seasonings, herbal teas, flavoring agents. Generally safe in food when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Antimicrobial ointments, cough syrups. Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use.
Supplement
Oregano oil capsules, herbal extracts. Follow dosage recommendations to avoid side effects.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Carvacrol is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of carvacrol is typically safe in food amounts, but high doses may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of carvacrol vapors may cause mild respiratory irritation in some individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- pregnant — Caution is advised due to limited safety data.
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity may lead to adverse effects.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side effects.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitoring is recommended.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate carvacrol well, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of carvacrol during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to carvacrol; potential for adverse effects is higher. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; potential effects on infants are unclear. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals generally tolerate carvacrol, but monitoring for side effects is advisable. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from topical application. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Carvacrol has been evaluated for safety and efficacy in various applications, showing antimicrobial properties.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization reactions noted | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Carvacrol has been evaluated for safety and efficacy in various applications, showing antimicrobial properties.
- Effective against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Potential skin irritant in high concentrations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Carvacrol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Carvacrol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Carvacrol
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Carvacrol is safe for use in food at specified limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Carvacrol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Carvacrol is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Carvacrol is generally safe for skin use in low concentrations, but some may experience irritation.
Yes, carvacrol is recognized as safe for consumption in food products within regulatory limits.
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation; consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:37:34.197281Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.