Menthol
INCI: MENTHOL
CAS 89-78-1 EC 216-074-4 / 218-690-9 / 201-939-0 / 239-388-3
organic compound used as flavouring and analgesic
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details
Description
organic compound used as flavouring and analgesic
Purpose
Function
Cooling agent; antipruritic; sensory modifier; scalp vasodilator
Profile
Properties
Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance
Regulatory Status
EU
Permitted
Safety
GOOD
US
Permitted
EU Max ConcentrationNo specific Annex III limit for scalp/shampoo use at standard concentrations (typically ≤1%); higher concentrations require safety assessment
Absorptionmoderate
Sensitizationlow
MoSadequate
NOAEL200 mg/kg
ConcernLow
Flags
trpm8-agonistcooling-agentantipruriticscalp-vasodilatorepa_safer_alternativeifra_fragrancefda_food_additive
Verdict
Primary scalp cooling active via TRPM8 ion channel activation. Provides documented anti-pruritic (itch relief) and vasodilatory effects on the scalp. Well-understood sensory mechanism. FDA M032 allows 1.5% in combination dandruff shampoos with coal tar. Effective at 0.1–1% for scalp freshness and itch relief in cosmetic formulations without drug claims.
US Note
FDA OTC Monograph M032: 1.5% menthol permitted in combination with coal tar (1.8% solution) in anti-dandruff shampoos as external analgesic
Assessment
Ratings
Reference