Camphor is a widely renowned ingredient that has been used in healthcare and cosmetics for ages. It provides menthol-like cooling, soothing, and preserving benefits. Its natural aroma also masks the odor of other ingredients in a formulation. Additionally, it can treat fungal infections and help in removing excess oil and pollution from the skin. Even with its versatility and natural appeal, it is important to note that Camphor is quite potent and should only be used sparingly after diluting it. Using on broken skin or using high concentrations irritates and harms the skin. Camphor is usually added to lip balms, cooling gels, cleansers, soaps, scalp treatments, hair tonics, and deodorants.
Products with CAMPHOR
With samples available
Heat Effect Relax Concentrate
by Biogründl
- Sustainable option
MultiSal™ Skin Repair
by Salvona Technologies
What is CAMPHOR used for?
- Cooling - Camphor provides an immediate cooling sensation by activating the skin’s cold receptors. This creates a refreshing and invigorating feel.
- Antimicrobial - Camphor has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help support cleaner, clearer skin and scalp. Moreover, it keeps formulations from going rancid and increases their shelf life.
- Soothing - At controlled concentrations, Camphor acts as a gentle counter-irritant, easing sensations of discomfort, itchiness, or mild redness. Its calming effect helps soothe stressed, tired, or irritated skin, offering relief in balms, cooling lotions, and targeted care treatments.
- Masking - Camphor’s distinctive aromatic profile helps mask or neutralize unpleasant base odors in formulations. Its crisp, cooling scent elevates the sensory experience while improving the overall fragrance profile of both skincare and personal-care products.
Origin
Camphor can be naturally derived or synthetically made. In the natural process, wood chips from the camphor tree are steam distilled, releasing camphor-containing vapors that are cooled and crystallized. This is followed by purification steps to remove impurities.
In the synthetic method, camphor is typically made from turpentine oil, where the compound α-pinene is converted into camphene, which is then reacted with acetic acid and subsequently oxidized to form camphor crystals. The synthetic version is widely used in cosmetics because it offers high purity, consistency, and cost-efficiency. In its raw form, Camphor appears as a white, waxy crystalline substance with a strong aroma. Its chemical formula is C10H16O.
What does CAMPHOR do in a formulation?
ANTIMICROBIAL|
MASKING|
PLASTICISER|
DENATURANT|
SOOTHING|
PRESERVATIVESafety Profile
Camphor is considered safe for cosmetic use when formulated at controlled, low concentrations. Due to its potency, it should always be used in its diluted form. Excessive exposure or high concentration is toxic to the skin. Additionally, Camphor should not be applied on broken or damaged skin. It is not compatible with every skin type, and it is necessary to perform patch tests prior to full application, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.
CAMPHOR alternatives
CAMPHOR technical profile
| Property | Values |
Boiling Point | 209°C |
Melting Point | 175°C - 177°C |
Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in oil |
Viscosity | Low |
