Menthol Liquid

Menthol liquid in brief

Menthol liquid is a colorless liquid that dissolves in ethanol, ether, acetone, chloroform, acetic acid, hexane and essential and fatty oils. It does not dissolve in plain water, so water-based products need a premix with alcohol or a solubilizer. The supplier specification lists balms, creams, jellies, foot creams and shampoos. Check the CoA of your lot for the INCI and strength.

The cooling feeling

Menthol is the compound behind the cool, fresh feel of mint. On skin it gives an immediate cooling sensation, which shoppers enjoy in foot creams, after-sport gels. A little goes a long way, so the level must be set carefully.

Product formats

Cooling balms

A balm for tired muscles or a refreshing massage balm is a classic menthol product. Add menthol to the melted base just before pouring.

Foot creams and gels

Foot products are one of the best uses. A cooling foot cream or a refreshing leg gel feels great after a long day.

Jellies and gels

A clear gel with menthol, aloe and a light humectant feels fresh on skin after sports or sun.

Shampoos

A cooling shampoo gives a tingling, refreshing scalp feel. Premix menthol with a solubilizer or the fragrance before adding it.

Processing

Menthol is volatile, so add it late in the process, below 40 °C for emulsions and gels and just before pouring for balms. For water-based products, dissolve it first in ethanol or mix it with polysorbate 20 or a similar solubilizer. Close containers quickly to avoid losing it.

Safety in use

Strong cooling can feel uncomfortable on sensitive skin or near the eyes. Start with a low level and increase only if the panel finds it comfortable. Add a warning to keep leave-on products away from the eyes, and do not use menthol products on young children.

Partners

Peppermint oil, camphor and eucalyptus oil add to the fresh profile. In foot creams, urea and IO Rye Ferment Body and Hand Care Concentrate fit well. For a cooling scalp tonic, combine it with IO Scalp Care Crystal Powder. More actives are in our actives catalog.

Testing

Run a sensory panel to rate the cooling strength at several levels. Check that the menthol level stays stable over time, because it can evaporate from poorly sealed packs.

Claims

Use sensory wording: cooling, refreshing, invigorating; legs and feet that feel light after a long day; a fresh, clean feel.

Characteristics

Form: colorless liquid. Solubility: ethanol, ether, acetone, chloroform, acetic acid, hexane, essential and fatty oils. INCI and concentration: supplier CoA.

Original recipe: cooling leg gel, 100 g

Distilled water 82.00 g, glycerin 4.00 g, carbomer 0.50 g, aloe barbadensis leaf juice 5.00 g, ethanol 5.00 g, menthol liquid 0.80 g, polysorbate 20 1.00 g, triethanolamine 0.50 g, preservative 1.00 g, peppermint oil 0.20 g. Disperse carbomer in water with glycerin, mix menthol and peppermint oil with ethanol and polysorbate 20, combine, add the rest and neutralize.

Seasonal ideas

Cooling products sell best in summer, when legs feel heavy in the heat and people are more active outdoors. A cooling leg gel and a foot cream make a strong summer pair, while a warming balm can replace them in winter. Planning the range by season keeps the shelf fresh. Small travel tubes of the gel suit holidays and gym bags.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool place away from light. Close the container right after use.