Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-terpineol
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alpha-terpineol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol found in various essential oils, such as pine oil and tea tree oil. Its use in skin care is primarily rooted in traditional and folk medicine, where it has been employed for its fragrance and purported soothing and antiseptic properties. Historically, alpha-terpineol-containing oils have been incorporated into topical formulations and cosmetics for their pleasant aroma, as well as their reputed ability to cleanse and freshen the skin.
Some in vitro studies have demonstrated mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-terpineol, which could theoretically benefit certain skin conditions. However, robust clinical trials evaluating its direct efficacy and safety in treating general skin conditions are lacking. Its inclusion in skin care products today is often more for its sensory properties (fragrance, mild cooling effect) than for any proven therapeutic action.
In summary, while there is some mechanistic rationale and tradition supporting the use of alpha-terpineol in skin care, scientific validation is limited. The evidence base is mostly preclinical or anecdotal, and alpha-terpineol should not be considered a primary active ingredient for treating specific skin diseases based on current knowledge.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Alpha-terpineol
AcneAntibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Athlete's Foot
Bronchitis
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Insomnia
Pain (general remedies for)
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Toothache
Wounds and Sores