O-Cymen-5-ol (also known as biosol or 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol) is a phenolic antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics as a preservative and to inhibit odor-causing bacteria. It is effective against bacteria and fungi and is often included in deodorants, acne products, and skincare formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild redness or stinging, more likely at higher concentrations. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization reported in isolated patch-test cases. |
Dryness | Rare | Possible with leave-on products in sensitive individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.