Methylphenoxy Pyrazolyl Thiophenylmethyl Acetamide: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Methylphenoxy Pyrazolyl Thiophenylmethyl Acetamide?

Methylphenoxy Pyrazolyl Thiophenylmethyl Acetamide is a lab-made molecule that combines three aromatic building blocks: a methyl-substituted phenoxy group, a pyrazole ring and a thiophene ring, all linked through an acetamide bridge. Because it is created entirely through controlled chemical reactions rather than harvested from a natural source, it offers consistent purity and scent strength from batch to batch.

The molecule was first explored in the early 2000s by specialty fragrance and flavor houses looking for versatile ingredients that could provide both taste and scent in a single raw material. Its warm slightly spicy odor profile and mild sweet taste quickly attracted formulators, and it now appears in a variety of personal care products.

Manufacturing starts with p-tolyl chloroacetate which is reacted with sodium phenoxide to give the phenoxy acetate backbone. Separate steps prepare a pyrazolyl amine and a thiophenylmethyl amine. These fragments are then coupled to the backbone under mild heat and an acid scavenger, forming the final acetamide. The result is a pale liquid that dissolves well in oils, alcohol and many surfactant bases.

You will most often see Methylphenoxy Pyrazolyl Thiophenylmethyl Acetamide in fine fragrances, body sprays, scented lotions, sheet masks, leave-on hair treatments, specialty lip balms, toothpaste and mouthwash where a pleasant aftertaste is important.

Methylphenoxy Pyrazolyl Thiophenylmethyl Acetamide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In a formulation this ingredient serves more than one purpose, making it a flexible pick for product developers.

  • Flavouring – Adds a mild sweet spicy note that improves the taste of lip balms, toothpaste and mouth rinses which helps encourage regular use
  • Fragrance – Contributes a warm amberlike scent that can round out floral or gourmand accords in perfumes, creams and hair products, reducing the need for multiple separate aroma chemicals
  • Oral Care – Its dual taste-and-scent profile masks the bitterness of some active agents in toothpaste or mouthwash while leaving a pleasant aftertaste, supporting an overall fresh clean feel

Who Can Use Methylphenoxy Pyrazolyl Thiophenylmethyl Acetamide

This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types. It is lightweight and non greasy so it will not weigh down oily skin and it does not draw moisture out of the surface which makes it comfortable for dry or mature skin. The main caveat is for very sensitive or eczema-prone users because any fragrance molecule can occasionally trigger redness or stinging in a compromised skin barrier.

Methylphenoxy Pyrazolyl Thiophenylmethyl Acetamide is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived raw materials or by-products which makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Current safety data show no specific reproductive toxicity and only minimal skin penetration so products containing this ingredient are usually viewed as safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing individuals should clear any personal care product with their healthcare provider first.

The molecule is not known to cause photosensitivity and has no documented interaction with UV exposure. It is also odor-stable under sunlight so users do not need to take extra precautions before going outdoors.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Methylphenoxy Pyrazolyl Thiophenylmethyl Acetamide vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and most people will not notice any negatives when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels.

  • Mild skin irritation – temporary redness or a tingling sensation, most often in those with pre-existing sensitivity to fragrances
  • Contact dermatitis – localized itching or small bumps after repeated exposure in highly reactive individuals
  • Allergic rash – rare delayed hypersensitivity that may present as patchy swelling or hives
  • Eye irritation – stinging or watering if a fragranced product accidently gets into the eyes
  • Flavor fatigue – slight taste alteration if used in oral care products at higher than recommended concentrations

If any of these reactions occur discontinue use immediately and seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Methylphenoxy Pyrazolyl Thiophenylmethyl Acetamide is a small lightweight aroma molecule used at very low levels, usually below 1 percent of a formula. It contains no long chain fatty components that can plug pores and it either evaporates or stays bound within the product matrix rather than forming a film on skin. These qualities keep its pore-clogging potential minimal.

Overall it is considered safe for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

The only time risk may rise is if the ingredient is delivered in an exceptionally heavy balm or wax base, in which case the carrier materials, not the fragrance itself, are the bigger concern.

Summary

Methylphenoxy Pyrazolyl Thiophenylmethyl Acetamide serves three key roles: it adds a gentle sweet spicy taste, supplies a warm amberlike scent and masks bitterness in oral care formulas. By handling both flavour and fragrance duties it simplifies formulations and reduces the need for multiple separate additives.

While not yet a mainstream star the ingredient is quietly popular among niche perfume makers and high end toothpaste brands that value its dual sensory impact.

Safety studies point to low irritation potential, negligible skin absorption and no phototoxicity so it is viewed as a low-risk addition to personal care products. Even so, give any new product a quick patch test to be sure your skin stays completely comfortable.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search