Menthol
Menthol is a cooling ingredient commonly found in lip balms, cleansers and hair products. It gives a refreshing, tingly sensation on the skin or scalp and is popular in UK beauty formulas for its invigorating feel.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, menthol works as a sensory agent that activates cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, creating a pleasant cooling and refreshing effect without actually lowering the temperature. It is frequently added to lip products, scalp treatments and shower gels to enhance the user experience and provide a clean, minty aroma while also functioning as a mild fragrance and soothing additive.
Key benefits
- Delivers a refreshing cooling sensation
- Enhances the sensory feel of lip balms and cleansers
- Provides a minty, clean fragrance
- Helps invigorate the scalp in hair products
- Can create a tingling effect that feels energising
- Adds a soothing sensory experience in rinse-off formulas
Best for
normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, sensitive scalp
Where it comes from
Menthol is a naturally occurring compound found in peppermint oil, which is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita).