thymus vulgaris flower/leaf/stem extract ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used as a botanical extract for skin-conditioning, deodorizing, and light fragrance support. It may also contribute antioxidant and antimicrobial-supporting activity in a formula, but it is not usually the primary preservative system.
What does thymus vulgaris flower/leaf/stem extract do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used as a botanical extract for skin-conditioning, deodorizing, and light fragrance support. It may also contribute antioxidant and antimicrobial-supporting activity in a formula, but it is not usually the primary preservative system.
Is thymus vulgaris flower/leaf/stem extract clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally acceptable, but it has more sensitization potential than many bland plant extracts because it can contain aromatic phenolic and fragrance-allergen components. It is best assessed by concentration, extract type, and whether allergen labeling is required in the market where the product is sold.
Is thymus vulgaris flower/leaf/stem extract sustainable?
This ingredient is plant-derived and typically made by water, glycerin, alcohol, glycol, or oil extraction from aerial plant parts. It is expected to be biodegradable, with sustainability depending mainly on agricultural practices, solvent choice, and concentration of volatile fractions.
Is thymus vulgaris flower/leaf/stem extract COSMOS-approved?
It can be permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when sourced from approved plant material and processed with allowed extraction solvents. Its Green Chemistry fit is strongest when the feedstock is responsibly grown and extracted with water, ethanol, glycerin, or other lower-impact solvents.
How does thymus vulgaris flower/leaf/stem extract work chemically?
This material is a complex botanical mixture that can include flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and volatile terpenoid compounds, with composition shifting by harvest, plant part, and solvent. Typical cosmetic use is often in the low range, about 0.1% to 2%, and the more volatile aromatic fraction is sensitive to air, heat, and light, so packaging and antioxidant support matter.
Last updated 2026-05-13