What is it?

• Menthol is made from alcohols of the mint plant (peppermint, spearmint, etc.) and provides a cooling sensation on the skin when applied topically.

Where is it used?

• Lip Balms
• Skin Creams
• Cough Medicines
• Topical pain relievers for muscles
• Aromatherapy

What does it do?

• Provides a cooling sensation and minty smell for face creams
• Improves blood flow when applied topically
• Works as a cough suppressant
• Provides a calming and soothing scent

Interesting Facts:

• The cooling feeling that we experience occurs when the calcium currents along the nerve pathways are blocked.  Which gives the body the sensation of cooling, without actually cooling.
• The improvement in blood flow to the skin is what causes lips to appear fuller when a lip plumping product is used

Pros/Cons:

Pro:

• Very safe, it is extremely unlikely to become toxic in the body
• Smells nice

Cons:

• Can be irritating to the skin
• Irritating to the eyes
• Not safe around pets