Inhaltsstoff
*Terpinolene
Nutzen
Natürlich
Natural terpinolene is an aromatic molecule that occurs in some plants, and therefore, in some of our essential oils and absolutes.
Where does natural terpinolene occur, and what does it smell like?
Terpinolene can be found in various concentrations in some pines and firs, blackcurrant buds, hemp, lime, lemon balm, parsley, cypress, rosalina and tea tree.
Looking at this eclectic list of plants, it is difficult to imagine the scent of terpinolene. It is indeed an unlikely blend of aromas, almost a perfume in its own right. It is said to have the following notes:
- Floral
- Piney
- Green
- Herbal
- Citrusy
- Sweet
What are the benefits of natural terpinolene?
- It has shown antioxidant activity, meaning that it can help skin cells fight against oxidative stress.
- It is antibacterial and antifungal, great for cleansing the skin and hair.
Why does this appear in my list of ingredients?
Terpinolene, alongside 79 other fragrance substances, has been identified as an allergen by the EU cosmetics regulations and other global bodies. This means that, whether natural or synthetic, it is more likely to cause allergic reactions in the form of skin sensitisation or irritation in susceptible individuals. In 2009, 26 materials (now 24 after lilial and lyral’s permanent ban) were identified as allergens and therefore had to be declared on product labels. 56 more have been added since, such as terpinolene, and should start appearing on labels in 2026, with a deadline of 2028.
While allergies affect only a small minority, it is still important to highlight the presence of allergens in products so that customers who may be more sensitive to them can make informed decisions. These substances are subject to restrictions to ensure their safe use in cosmetics. They must also appear on product labels when they occur above a certain limit: 0,001 % for leave-on products like moisturisers and 0,01 % for rinse-off products like shower gels.
At Lush, these substances can occur naturally in essential oils, absolutes, and resinoids, or may be added to support our fragrance formulas. To help customers better understand what's in their products, we've colour-coded our ingredients on the labels. When obtained from natural sources, the allergen is in green text. When naturally occurring in an ingredient such as an essential oil, it is listed in green, preceded by an asterisk (e.g. *Terpinolene). When added to a formula in a synthetic form, it is listed in black, without an asterisk.