Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

GAMMA-TERPINENE.

Questionable CAS 99-85-4 / PERFUMING

Gamma-terpinene is a naturally occurring cyclic terpene, lauded for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. It works to safeguard skin cells from environmental damage while mitigating inflammatory responses. It also exhibits potential antimicrobial benefits.

Summary

Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Antimicrobial Perfuming

Science

Mechanism of Action

This compound primarily functions as an antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals, thereby protecting skin cells from environmental stressors and UV radiation. Its anti-inflammatory action involves inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (specifically IL-1β and IL-6) and elevating anti-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-10) in macrophages. Additionally, gamma-terpinene contributes antimicrobial properties.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 In mouse macrophages, gamma-terpinene exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10).
  2. 02 Animal models (zymosan, carrageenan) demonstrated that gamma-terpinene significantly reduced leukocyte migration, joint edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, paw edema, and mechanical hyperalgesia, suggesting both anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential.
  3. 03 The compound has shown strong antioxidant activity, effectively counteracting free radical damage.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Gamma-terpinene is highly prone to oxidation when exposed to air, often polymerizing and converting to para-Cymene. It is particularly unstable in alkaline functional bases, such as soap. Optimal storage requires sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, open flames, and strong oxidizing agents, to prevent degradation.

Synergies

  • Phenolic antioxidants (regenerating them from their radicals)

Conflicts

  • Alkaline functional bases (e.g., soap)
  • Strong oxidizers

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

While considered safe as a flavoring agent in food (FDA GRAS 11, 21 CFR 172.515), gamma-terpinene is classified as a flammable liquid and an irritant. European data indicates it is irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin (R 36/37/38), specifically noted as a moderate skin irritant and strong eye irritant. Terpenes, including gamma-terpinene, can cause irritations depending on individual skin sensitivity. The EU Cosmetics Directive imposes restrictions on its use, concentration, or manufacturing in cosmetic products, though specific maximum concentrations are not provided in the available data.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Despite preclinical evidence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, its moderate skin irritancy, formulation instability, and EU regulatory restrictions raise significant concerns for its precise application in advanced skincare.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…