The Basics On Menthol
What is Menthol?
Derived from peppermint; menthol can have the same sensitizing effect as peppermint on skin.
What are other names for Menthol?
(1ALPHA,2BETA,5ALPHA)-5-METHYL-2-(1-METHYLETHYL)CYCLOHEXANE, 2-ISOPROPYL-5-METHYLCYCLOHEXANOL, 3-HYDROXY-P-MENTHANE, 5-METHYL-2-(1-METHYLETHYL)- CYCLOHEXANOL, 5-METHYL-2-(1-METHYLETHYL)CYCLOHEXANOL, CYCLOHEXANOL, 5-METHYL-2-(1-METHYLETHYL)-, CYCLOHEXANOL, 5-METHYL-2-(1-METHYLETHYL)-, (1R,2S,5R)-REL-, DL-MENTHOL, L-MENTHOL, MENTHOL, MENTHOL CRYSTAL, P-METHAN-3-OL, and RACEMIC MENTHOL
What is Menthol used for?
As for skincare, menthol seems to be a mixed bag. Apart from the cool cooling sensation (that might last up to 70 mins!), it also has painkilling, itch reducing, antibacterial, antifungal and even penetration enhancing properties.
How Menthol is classified
Plant Extracts, Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Sensitizing
Recommendations for using Menthol during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid
Menthol During Pregnancy
What we know about using Menthol while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
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General safety info about Menthol from CIR
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed the safety of Mentha piperita (peppermint)-derived ingredients; most of the ingredients function as fragrance ingredients and/or skin conditioning agents in cosmetic products. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. Industry should continue to use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities that could be present in botanical ingredients. The Panel reviewed data relevant to the safety of these ingredients and concluded that Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Leaf, and leaf-derived ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration, when formulated to be non-sensitizing, and that the available data are insufficient to make a determination that the remaining 3 ingredients are safe under the intended conditions of use in cosmetic formulations.
Use this, not that!
Coming soon!
Products where you might find Menthol
Bengay; Rosebud Perfume Co. Menthol And Eucalyptus Lip Balm; Pureology Hydrate Conditioner; Kiehl’s Since 1851 Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
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Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
