Thyme (Linalool) (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool) is a herbaceous essential oil with a soft, herbal aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from leaf, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Rosemary (Camphor ct.), Lemon (Cold Pressed). For topical use, keep dilution at or below 5%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Herbaceous |
| Chemical family | Monoterpenol |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | leaf |
| Origin | France, Spain |
| Blending factor | 4 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8007-46-3 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 5% |
| Max facial dilution | 2.5% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~6 months) |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 1 GC-MS analyses (Thymus vulgaris).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Plan safe amounts with our essential oil dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
- Crown Chakra →
- Alopecia Four-Oil Protocol →
- Open Air →
- Calm Workshop →
- Ease Focus →
- Exhale Lullaby →
- Steam Shield →
- Clear Tone Circuit →
- Amber Polish Harbor →
- Sparkle Workshop →
- Velvet Spark Aura →
- Calm Flow Glow →
- Ease Glow →
- Heart Sanctuary →
- Comfort Wave →
- Sunlit Shield Circuit →
- Golden Clean Lullaby →
- Fortify Spark →
- Fortify Reset →
- Golden Fortify Spark →
- Fortify Workshop →
- Clean Lullaby →
- Guard Focus →
- Midnight Clean Compass →
Frequently asked questions
What does Thyme (Linalool) essential oil smell like?
Thyme (Linalool) has a soft, herbal aroma, classed as a herbaceous oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Thyme (Linalool)?
For topical use, keep Thyme (Linalool) at or below 5%, and 2.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Thyme (Linalool) safe to use during pregnancy?
Thyme (Linalool) is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Thyme (Linalool) safe to use around children?
Thyme (Linalool) is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 6 months). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Thyme (Linalool) safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Thyme (Linalool) blend well with?
Thyme (Linalool) pairs well with Lavender, Rosemary (Camphor ct.), Lemon (Cold Pressed), Bergamot (FCF), Tea Tree.