Thymus Vulgaris (thyme) extract or oil is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, largely attributed to thymol and carvacrol. It is sometimes incorporated into acne-targeting and preservative-boosting formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Stinging or redness, more likely with concentrated essential oil forms. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization possible, particularly to thymol or related volatile constituents. |
| Photosensitivity | Rare | Occasionally reported with botanical essential oils on sun-exposed skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.