Menthyl Lactate and Menthol
Menthyl Lactate and Menthol are cooling agents commonly used in UK skincare and beauty products to provide a refreshing, tingly sensation. Menthyl Lactate is a milder, esterified form of menthol that delivers gentle cooling without the strong odour, while Menthol is the natural compound derived from mint that gives that classic fresh, icy feel.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, Menthyl Lactate and Menthol function as cooling sensates and mild fragrancing ingredients. They activate cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, creating an instant cooling and refreshing effect that can help mask unpleasant odours or enhance the sensory experience of cleansers, masks, lip balms, and after-sun products. Menthyl Lactate is often preferred in formulations because it is less volatile and less likely to irritate than pure menthol, offering a more controlled and prolonged cooling sensation while remaining gentle enough for leave-on products.
Key benefits
- Provides a pleasant cooling and refreshing sensation on the skin
- Enhances the sensory experience of skincare and haircare products
- Helps mask base odours in formulations
- Gives a soothing, tingly feel in lip balms and oral-care products
- Offers milder cooling compared with pure menthol when used as Menthyl Lactate
- Can create a temporary tightening or invigorating effect on skin and scalp
Best for
normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, dull skin, scalp concerns
Where it comes from
Both ingredients are primarily derived from peppermint oil (Mentha piperita or Mentha arvensis), which is steam-distilled from the leaves of the mint plant. Menthyl Lactate is then produced by esterifying menthol with lactic acid, which is typically sourced from plant sugars such as corn or sugar cane.