INCI page

MENTHOL

Last update on Feb 14, 2023
Menthol is an organic compound that is typically derived from herb plants such as peppermint and eucalyptus. It is a waxy, clear or white crystalline substance, which is solid at room temperature and melts slightly above. Its molecular weight is 156.27and molecular formula is C10H20O.
CAS Number: 89-78-1Chem/IUPAC Name: 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol, HexahydrothymolEINECS/ELINCS No: 201-939-0COSING REF No: 35228

Products with MENTHOL

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Questice Plus CQ U/A™

by Givaudan

INCI: DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL | MENTHOL | MENTHYL PCA
  • Sustainable option

H-Vit Plus NP

by Chemyunion

INCI: AQUA | GLYCERIN | ROSE EXTRACT | GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA RHIZOME/ROOT | CICHORIUM INTYBUS LEAF EXTRACT | HYDROLYZED RHODOPHYCEA EXTRACT | PANTHENOL | LINOLEIC ACID | MENTHOL | BIOTIN
  • Sustainable option

What is MENTHOL used for?

Menthol has cooling properties and a peppermint odor, and is most commonly found in detoxifying shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, ointments, shaving creams, or any products aimed at delivering an instantly refreshed, energized feeling to skin.

Research has found that menthol may even act as an analgesic when applied topically. This makes menthol a popular choice in products targeting irritated or blemish-prone skin, as well as products formulated for scalp irritation, after-sun lotions, and cooling gels. In lip products, menthol is also making a huge splash in glosses and balms that create a temporary plumping effect by improving blood flow to the area.

Origin

Menthol occurs naturally in peppermint and is usually extracted from peppermint oil, other mint oils, or created synthetically. The most popular species of mint used to produce menthol is known as mentha arvensis.

What does MENTHOL do in a formulation?

DENATURANT|
MASKING|
REFRESHING|
SOOTHING

Safety Profile

The United States Food and Drug Administration or FDA includes menthol on its list of substances considered Generally Recognized As Safe for use in OTC. Studies by the US National Toxicology Program have determined that menthol is not genotoxic or carcinogenic.

MENTHOL alternatives

No data available

MENTHOL technical profile

Property Values
Boiling Point 214.6°C
Melting Point 36-38°C
Solubility Slightly soluble in water
Density 0.890 g/cm3