4-TERPINEOL

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

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.

🧪 4-TERPINEOL

4-TERPINEOL

CAS Number: 562-74-3

Also Known As: —

Category: other

EC Number: 209-235-5

Korean Name: 4-터피네올

4-Methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-3-cyclohexen-1-ol

4-TERPINEOL is an other ingredient used in skincare formulations.

🌍 Regulatory Status

📊 Comedogenicity

📚 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.

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

🧴 Products Containing 4-TERPINEOL

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

📄 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.