Menthol
Menthol
- Role
- Gives a cooling sensation on the skin and masks the odour of raw materials.
- Catalog formulas
- 10
- Type
- Scent
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
Its CosIng functions are refreshing, soothing, masking and denaturant. Since 2023 it has been on the EU list of fragrance allergens.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
Most often found in foot sprays and powders and in "fresh" formulas, where it creates a cooling feel. That sensation does not mean you sweat less.
EU Regulation 2023/1545 added it to the list of fragrance allergens (Annex III, entry 338): above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products it must be named separately in the ingredient list. New products must comply from 31 July 2026; products already on the market may be sold until 31 July 2028.
The 2012 SCCS opinion lists it as an established contact allergen in humans, with 11 to 100 positive patch-test reactions reported.
Not peppermint oil (Mentha Piperita Oil), which has its own entry on the EU allergen list, and not menthyl lactate (Menthyl Lactate), which is not on that list.
Products containing Menthol
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- CosIng Checker: Annex III, entry 338 (Menthol) Supports: restrictions, allergen labelling
- INCI Beauty: Menthol (CosIng functions) Supports: function
- European Commission: fragrance allergens Supports: allergen labelling, Regulation 2023/1545 deadlines
- SCCS/1459/11: Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products Supports: allergenicity assessment