Thymus Serpyllum Extract ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as a botanical skin-conditioning extract, with antioxidant, toning, and light scent-support roles in formulas. It can also contribute antimicrobial-supportive activity, but it is not typically relied on as the sole preservative system.
What does Thymus Serpyllum Extract do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used mainly as a botanical skin-conditioning extract, with antioxidant, toning, and light scent-support roles in formulas. It can also contribute antimicrobial-supportive activity, but it is not typically relied on as the sole preservative system.
Is Thymus Serpyllum Extract clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally acceptable, but its aromatic constituents can be sensitizing for some users, especially in leave-on products or higher-use formulas. Brands focused on allergen transparency may treat it more like a fragrant botanical than a neutral plant extract.
Is Thymus Serpyllum Extract sustainable?
This material is plant-derived and generally biodegradable, with a better profile when extracted using water, glycerin, ethanol, or other lower-impact solvents. Sustainability depends on agricultural practices, solvent choice, and concentration, since botanical extracts can vary widely by supplier.
Is Thymus Serpyllum Extract COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made from approved plant material with allowed extraction solvents, with organic status depending on the raw plant source. It fits Green Chemistry principles reasonably well when sourced renewably and processed with benign solvents, though aromatic allergen content is a formulation caveat.
How does Thymus Serpyllum Extract work chemically?
This ingredient is a complex botanical extract containing water-soluble polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and trace volatile terpenoid components depending on the extraction medium. Typical cosmetic use is often around 0.1% to 2%, and formulators usually manage color, odor, and oxidation by pairing it with antioxidants, chelators, and packaging that limits air and light exposure.
Last updated 2026-05-13