O-Cymen-5-Ol

O-Cymen-5-ol is a synthetic aromatic compound used in personal care as a preservative and deodorizing agent, included to control product spoilage, maintain formula integrity during use, and support a clean, longer-lasting shelf presence.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A preservative that keeps formulas fresh and controls unwanted odor.
Category
Preservative
Type
Preservative

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Helps products stay fresh and pleasant to use by limiting microbial growth, and can assist with reducing unwanted odor in formulations during wear.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in deodorants, body sprays, cleansers, and leave-on lotions as a preservation and odor-control component.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Typically well tolerated at cosmetic use levels, but mild irritation or sensitization can occur, especially in leave-on products. Patch testing is sensible for reactive skin. No widely harmonized concentration limits apply across all regions, but manufacturers usually keep levels low for comfort.

Is O-Cymen-5-Ol a Good Ingredient?

It's a reliable antimicrobial and deodorizing aid that supports preservation at low levels with decent stability and generally low irritation compared with harsher preservatives, which earns it Good. It isn't a complete broad-spectrum system on its own, though, and may irritate sensitive skin at higher concentrations or in leave-on use.