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Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract

What Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract is & what it does

Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract is an extract derived from the leaves of common thyme, an aromatic herb in the mint family. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it is used as a botanical additive, valued for the thymol and other aromatic compounds it contains, which are associated with antioxidant and soothing properties. It can also contribute a mild fragrance to a product.

What does Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract do in skincare?

Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, from common thyme leaves, is used mainly as a botanical additive. It contains thymol and other aromatic compounds linked to antioxidant and soothing properties, and it can also lend a mild herbal scent to a formula.

Is Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract natural or synthetic?

It is natural in origin, being an extract of the leaves of the thyme plant. The plant material is processed with a solvent such as water or glycols to pull out the active compounds, so the final extract is a refined botanical ingredient rather than the raw herb.

Is Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract safe?

Thyme leaf extract has a long history of use in cosmetics and is generally well tolerated at the low levels used in formulas. Because it contains aromatic and essential-oil-like compounds, sensitive or fragrance-prone skin may occasionally react, so patch testing a new product is reasonable.

Sunscreens with Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract

We rate 14 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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