Dimethyl Phenethyl Carbinol
An aromatic alcohol fragrance component. Some people may develop contact allergy.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Dimethyl Phenethyl Carbinol is an aromatic alcohol used as a fragrance ingredient. It appears under the same name in the INCI list. In a formula it adds a soft floral note and can help fix the product's scent. It does not act on the skin itself, only on how the product smells. As a fragrance component it is a functional ingredient, not a skincare active. It does not hydrate, renew the skin or support the barrier. Its job is purely sensory, so it makes sense to judge it as part of the product's scent rather than expect any cosmetic benefit from it. Applied topically its systemic absorption is minimal, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding in both rinse-off and leave-on products. Direct irritation is usually low. The thing to watch is allergy: in people sensitised to fragrances it can trigger contact dermatitis, though most people react to it in no way. If your skin is reactive or you have a history of perfume allergy, it is worth patch-testing the product before applying it to the face.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dimethyl Phenethyl Carbinol safe during pregnancy?
Dimethyl Phenethyl Carbinol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Dimethyl Phenethyl Carbinol for?
Dimethyl Phenethyl Carbinol suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Dimethyl Phenethyl Carbinol and what does it do in cosmetics?
An aromatic alcohol fragrance component.
What's the INCI name for Dimethyl Phenethyl Carbinol?
The INCI name is Dimethyl Phenethyl Carbinol.
See Dimethyl Phenethyl Carbinol in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Published: · updated: