Thymol

Thymol is an intense aromatic material with the dry heat of thyme, crushed herbs and phenolic spice.

Its cool camphoraceous edge gives the impression of clarity, while the warmer background brings weight and authenticity to botanical structures.

This is a material for deliberate, finely judged accents.

In trace proportions it can sharpen an aromatic accord, add severity to a fougère or create the intriguing contrast of clean coolness against warm woods and resins.

Its attraction is the tension between austerity and warmth.

Thymol can feel crystalline and severe at first, then reveal the heat of dried herbs and dark spice, giving a formula an arresting sense of atmosphere.

Odour profile

The odour is strongly spicy-herbaceous and phenolic, with camphoraceous, medicinal and slightly smoky facets.

Beneath the initial force is a dry aromatic warmth that recalls thyme and Mediterranean herbs.

The opening is powerful, dry and unmistakably phenolic, with a cool medicinal clarity around its aromatic core.

Thyme-like spice and camphoraceous freshness create an impression that is both clean and intensely botanical.

In dilution, the profile becomes more layered. Warm herbs, light smoke and a slightly woody dryness emerge beneath the sharper facets, allowing Thymol to contribute texture and shadow rather than a single dominant medicinal note.

Using Thymol in perfumery

Thymol can support aromatic, fougère, botanical, incense and dry woody compositions.

It is useful where a formula needs a precise herbal bite, a cool medicinal accent or greater realism in thyme, oregano and resinous herb effects.

In fougère and aromatic structures, tiny amounts can sharpen lavender, rosemary, sage or pine, giving the accord a more authentic herbal backbone.

It can also create contrast against bergamot and other bright citrus materials.

Within incense, leather and woody fragrances, Thymol can suggest smoked herbs, aged timber or a cool mineral edge.

Its potency makes it best suited to measured additions, with the complete composition assessed over time.

Creative pairings

Explore Thymol with lavender, rosemary, sage, eucalyptol, bergamot, pine, black pepper, cedarwood, patchouli, frankincense and labdanum.

Use from a considered dilution to maintain detail and avoid flattening softer materials.

Explore a cool aromatic treatment with eucalyptol, lavender, pine and juniper, or a warmer, darker construction with black pepper, cedarwood, patchouli, frankincense and labdanum.

Soft florals or musk can temper the severity without erasing its character.

Product specification.

CAS No: 89-83-8
Odour Description (decreasing): Thyme, Spicy, Phenolic, Medicinal, Camphoraceous, Warm
Odour Strength: High, recommend smelling in a 1.00 % solution or less
Usage: Dry thyme-like accents, aromatic structures, herbal woods and phenolic contrasts.
Typical Use Percentage: 0.1% – 0.15%
Substantivity: 176 hour(s) at 20.00%
Solvent: None
Flash Point: 116 °C
Physical Form: White crystals 
Synonyms: Thymol; 2-Isopropyl-5-methylphenol
Name: Thymol
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: Danger

Hazard statements

• H302 Harmful if swallowed.
• H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
• H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Precautionary statements

• P260 Do not breathe vapour or dust.
• P264 Wash hands and other contacted skin thoroughly after handling.
• P270 Do no eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
• P273 Avoid release to the environment.
• P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection.
• P301/312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
• P301/330/331 IF SWALLOWED: rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
• P303/361/353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
• P304/340 IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
• P305/351/338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
• P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
• P330 Rinse mouth.
• P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
• P391 Collect spillage.
• P405 Store locked up.
• P501 Dispose of contents/container to: approved disposal site.

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