p-Cresol is a low-molecular-weight compound, is a starting material in the synthesis of bupranolol which is a non-selective beta blocker.
p-cresol is found in extracts from the plants Mentha pulegium and Hedeoma pulegioides, commonly known as pennyroyal oil and pennyroyal tea.
p-Cresol is also used in the production of antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene. Furthermore, it is used as an adhesive and a sealant in chemicals, dyes, intermediates, odor agents, plasticizers, plating agents and surface treating agents. It acts as an antioxidant and a disinfectant in pharmaceuticals.