Isopropyl methylphenol is an isomer of thymol (primary component of volatile oil from
labiate plants), which has been used for centuries as a folk medicine, but its properties are unknown.
In 1953, a method for industrial manufacturing of isopropyl methylphenol was developed,
and its properties including bactericidal and antioxidant actions have been studied. As its favorable
physicochemical properties, excellent efficacy, and mild action characteristics have been recognized,
it has come to be used widely today in drugs (for general use), quasi-drugs, cosmetics, and other
industrial fields.