Rate My SPF

Pinene

What Pinene is & what it does

Pinene is a naturally occurring terpene found in pine and many other plant essential oils, giving them a characteristic fresh, resinous scent. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it usually appears as a fragrance or fragrance-component ingredient. A notable point is that, as a terpene, it is one of the constituents that fragrance-sensitive users sometimes prefer to avoid.

What does Pinene do in skincare?

In skincare and sunscreen formulas, pinene usually acts as a fragrance or fragrance-component ingredient. It is a terpene with a fresh, resinous, pine-like scent. Its role is typically sensory rather than functional.

Is Pinene natural or synthetic?

Pinene is a naturally occurring terpene found in pine and many other plant essential oils, though it can also be produced synthetically. In cosmetics either source may be used. The molecule itself is the same regardless of origin.

Is Pinene safe?

Pinene is a common natural fragrance constituent used within established limits in cosmetics. As a fragrance terpene, it can be a concern for people with fragrance sensitivities. If you are sensitive to fragrance, you may prefer to patch test or choose fragrance-free products.

Sunscreens with Pinene

We rate 12 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients