Carvacrol

Carvacrol

Carvacrol is a forceful aromatic material with the dry warmth of oregano, crushed herbs and sunlit wood.

Its phenolic intensity can bring startling realism to botanical accords, adding the bitter-green shadow that distinguishes a living herb from a simple fresh note.

Used in trace amounts, it creates lift, dryness and tension.

The material can make lavender and rosemary feel more textured, deepen a smoky wood or introduce a distinctly Mediterranean edge to an aromatic composition.

Carvacrol is most compelling when treated as an expressive shadow rather than a conventional fresh herb note.

It brings the suggestion of crushed leaves, warm stone and resinous stems, giving an aromatic fragrance character and conviction.

Odour profile

The odour is pungent, spicy and herbaceous, with woody, camphoraceous and phenolic facets.

Oregano and thyme associations are immediate, followed by a warm, dry character that can read as medicinal if allowed to dominate.

The opening is immediate and uncompromising, combining oregano-like herbaceousness with dry spice and a cool medicinal edge.

Its force gives the impression of essential oils released from leaves under pressure.

Beneath that intensity lies a warmer woody-phenolic body.

In careful dilution, camphoraceous freshness, bitter greenery and sun-dried herb nuances separate, creating a far more dimensional material than its first impact suggests.

Using Carvacrol in perfumery

Carvacrol is best approached as a precision material for aromatic, fougère, herbal, woody and smoky structures.

It can strengthen the backbone of lavender, sage and rosemary themes, or add a dry, challenging accent to leather, incense and patchouli accords.

In Mediterranean aromatic accords, it can give lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme a convincing wildness.

It is also useful for adding dryness to citrus-herbal colognes where a smooth, decorative freshness would feel too polite.

Trace use in leather, incense, patchouli and charred woods can create a compelling sense of smoke, bark and bitter resin.

Its recognisable character demands space, making dilution and staged evaluation essential to a refined result.

Creative pairings

Explore Carvacrol with lavender, clary sage, rosemary, thyme effects, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, patchouli, vetiver, incense and leather notes.

Careful dilution is central to preserving its sophisticated herbal detail.

Brighten it with bergamot, lemon, lavender and juniper, or deepen it with black pepper, cedar, vetiver, patchouli and incense.

A small floral counterpoint, such as rose or orange flower, can create an unexpected tension between petals and aromatic heat.

Product specification.

CAS No: 499-75-2
Odour Description (decreasing): Spicy, Herbaceous, Oregano, Woody, Camphoraceous, Phenolic
Odour Strength: Medium
Usage: Spicy herbal accords, dry aromatic woods and precise oregano-like accents.
Typical Use Percentage: 0.5% – 1.00%
Substantivity: 250+ hour(s) at 100%
Solvent: None
Flash Point: 104 °C
Physical Form: Colourless to yellow orangish, clear mobile liquid
Synonyms: Carvacrol; 5-Isopropyl-2-methylphenol
Name: Carvacrol
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄O
Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
IFRA: Refer to latest IFRA guidelines and product-specific IFRA certificate for safe use levels.

Signal word: Warning

Hazard statements

• H302 Harmful if swallowed.
• H315 Causes skin irritation.
• H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
• H319 Causes serious eye irritation.

Precautionary statements

• P261 Avoid breathing vapour or dust.
• P264 Wash hands and other contacted skin thoroughly after handling.
• P270 Do no eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
• P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
• P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection.
• P301/312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
• P302/352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
• P305/351/338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
• P330 Rinse mouth.
• P333/313 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
• P337/313 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.
• P362 Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
• P501 Dispose of contents/container to: approved disposal site.

Important: For professional formulation use. Review the Safety Data Sheet before handling, storage or use.