What it does
- Gives a cooling, refreshing sensation on skin and scalp.
- Delivers a temporary soothing, invigorating feel.
- Popular in scalp tonics, foot and after-sport products.
How it works
Menthol activates the skin's cold receptors, giving a widely documented cooling sensation. The effect is sensory and temporary. At higher levels it can irritate or sting, and it is not suitable for use near the eyes or for young children's products.
Use level
- Typical use level
- typically 0.1–1%
Commonly used at 0.1–1%; even low levels give a strong cooling effect.
Formulation considerations
- Oil-soluble crystals; dissolve into the oil phase or a solubiliser.
- A little goes a long way — overdosing causes stinging.
- Avoid eye-area and young-children products.
What it pairs with & what to avoid
Pairs well with
- Scalp/hair actives
- Emollients and soothing agents
Use with care / avoid
- Overdosing (stinging/irritation)
- Eye-area use
Regulatory status
Menthol is listed in the EU CosIng database and is a long-established cosmetic ingredient.
Common questions
What does menthol do?
It activates cold receptors for a cooling, refreshing, temporarily soothing sensation.
What percentage of menthol is used?
Commonly 0.1–1%; even low levels feel strongly cooling.
Is menthol irritating?
It can sting or irritate at higher levels, and should be kept away from the eye area.