Menthol

Menthol Description

Menthol is a monoterpene most often derived from peppermint that is used in skin care both as a fragrance and due to its unique cooling sensation on skin.

Although it’s sometimes touted as a skin soothing (because it helps skin think it’s not itchy) and healing ingredient, menthol is a documented skin-sensitizer. Unfortunately, the cooling, refreshing sensation menthol causes is direct evidence that your skin is being sensitized, not soothed.

As a volatile fragrant compound, it can cause redness, flaking, dryness and a feeling of tightness. It can also cause an increase in trans-epidermal water loss.

Menthol has many applications outside of skin care, including in the health and food industries.

Although it’s naturally occurring, menthol can also be created synthetically.