Cosmetics · Quasi-drug actives
Isopropyl Methylphenol (IPMP)
イソプロピルメチルフェノール (Isopuropiru mechiru fenōru)
Also known as: IPMP, o-Cymen-5-ol
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | o-Cymen-5-ol |
| Japanese labeling name | イソプロピルメチルフェノール |
| Common Japanese notations | イソプロピルメチルフェノール, IPMP |
| CAS number | 3228-02-2 |
| Origin | Synthetic (substituted phenol) |
| Typical functions | Quasi-drug antibacterial active |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Approved as a quasi-drug (医薬部外品) antibacterial active by MHLW. |
Isopropyl methylphenol (IPMP), also known by its INCI name o-Cymen-5-ol, is a substituted phenol used as a quasi-drug antibacterial active in Japan. It appears widely in medicated acne products, oral care, and deodorants.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Medicated acne products (薬用ニキビケア)
- Quasi-drug oral care (toothpaste, mouthwash)
- Quasi-drug deodorant products
What it is
IPMP is the substituted phenol 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol. It functions through antibacterial activity against the relevant flora targeted by the quasi-drug claim category — for example, acne-related bacterial flora.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japanese cosmetics, IPMP appears in medicated acne products, deodorants, oral care (mouthwash and toothpaste), and various sensitive-skin formulations.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Approved as a quasi-drug antibacterial active by MHLW within defined concentration ranges.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | o-Cymen-5-ol is listed in CosIng. Permitted as a preservative within concentration limits set in the Cosmetics Regulation. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
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Related ingredients
References
- Japan PMDA — quasi-drug active ingredient approval registry
- EU CosIng entry: o-Cymen-5-ol
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.