Ingredient guide ›

Menthol

The cool tingle.

What it does

Gives a cooling, fresh feeling on skin and in the mouth.

Good to know

It feels cool because it switches on the skin's cold sensors. The EU and Canada recently added it to the fragrance allergens that must be named on labels.

Often found in: Toothpastes, Anti-dandruff shampoos, Shower gels

Around the world

• United States: No label rule yet. A 2022 law told the FDA to require fragrance allergen labels, but that rule isn't out. Source
• EU and UK: EU: must be named on the label above 0.001% leave-on, 0.01% rinse-off (new products from July 2026). UK: no such rule. Source
• Canada: Must be named on the label above 0.001% leave-on and 0.01% rinse-off: new products from August 2026, all by August 2028. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Menthol: a refreshing look at this ancient compound (J Am Acad Dermatol, 2007) (Medical)