A fragrance ingredient derived from plants that adds a light, natural scent to the product while helping to dissolve and blend other ingredients effectively.
Solubility 0.6 g/L @ 20 °C (exp)
Formula
C9H12O
Mol. Weight
136.19
CAS #
1335-12-2, 122-97-4
Form
Liquid
State
Oily liquid with a mild ester-like odor; [Merck Index] Clear colorless liquid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
See origin →
Functions
Fragrance
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A synthetic fragrance and preservative compound developed in the 20th century for use in cosmetics and personal care products.