4-TERPINEOL

📋 Quick facts

Description: 4-TERPINEOL — FRAGRANCE.

All Functions: FRAGRANCE

Quick Facts:

• Category: other

Proven Benefits At A Glance:

• 4-terpineol is a natural ingredient that has shown antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and certain microorganisms
• In lab testing, a 2% formulation killed microorganisms within 60 seconds of contact
• Safety testing found no skin irritation, eye irritation, sensitization, or allergic reactions in human subjects
• Research suggests potential use as a preservative-free cleansing ingredient for eye and skin hygiene

⚗️ Chemical Overview

4-terpineol is a terpineol that is 1-menthene carrying a hydroxy substituent at position 4. It has a role as an antioxidant, a volatile oil component, an antibacterial agent, an antiparasitic agent, an antineoplastic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an apoptosis inducer and a plant metabolite. It is a terpineol and a tertiary alcohol. Terpinen-4-ol is under investigation in clinical trial NCT01647217 (Demodex Blepharitis Treatment Study). (+/-)-4-terpineol has been reported in Anthriscus nitida, Tetradenia riparia, and other organisms with data available.

Source(s): DrugBank, ChEBI, LOTUS – the natural products occurrence database, via PubChem

📊 Comedogenicity

🛡️ Safety rating

Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict — see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.

🌍 Regulatory Status

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

4-terpineol (also called T4O) is a naturally occurring compound that researchers have evaluated for antimicrobial properties. Here’s what the available research shows: #1: Antimicrobial effectiveness — A 2% formulation of 4-terpineol demonstrated rapid killing action, eliminating 13 different bacteria, 1 fungus, and a microorganism called Acanthamoeba castellanii within 60 seconds of exposure in laboratory conditions (BMJ Open Ophthalmol, 2018). The formulation also maintained antimicrobial effectiveness over longer periods when tested at 14 and 28 days using standardized pharmaceutical testing methods. #2: Safety profile — The same 2% formulation underwent multiple safety tests in humans and did not cause ocular (eye) irritation, skin irritation, sensitization, or allergic contact dermatitis (BMJ Open Ophthalmol, 2018).

This is notably important because many preservatives used in skincare can trigger irritation or sensitivity reactions. #3: Potential applications — Based on these lab results, researchers suggest 4-terpineol could function as a preservative-free antimicrobial agent for products designed to maintain eye and skin hygiene (BMJ Open Ophthalmol, 2018). However, it’s important to note that the research focused on laboratory effectiveness and safety testing—actual clinical results treating skin or eye infections were not directly studied, so real-world efficacy in treating active infections remains unclear.

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Su CW et al. (2018). Safety and efficacy of 4-terpineol against microorganisms associated with blepharitis and common ocular diseases. BMJ Open Ophthalmol.

🧴 Products Containing 4-TERPINEOL

• Omega Pharma Jouvence Gelée Ultra Fresh 200 ML +33% Gratuit
• Le Lynx Diffusion Balia / savon huile olive
• Uriage Pâte SOS – Soin local