Menthol
- Cosmetics Caution
What is Menthol?
Menthol is the cooling compound from mint, used in lip balms, shampoos, toothpaste and creams. At cosmetic levels it isn't a concern for the rest of your body. It can cause stinging, burning or a skin allergy in some people, and sprays used near the nose can rarely affect breathing.
What is Yasno’s verdict on Menthol?
Yasno’s verdict on Menthol: Caution. Some evidence of a concern, it depends on the amount, or it is genuinely worth knowing. A Caution always has a specific, sourced reason.
Is Menthol allowed in the EU?
EU status of Menthol: Restricted in cosmetics (limits and conditions apply). Conditions and limits come from the regulation cited below. Yasno summarises them and does not replace the legal text.
| Where | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Restricted in cosmetics (limits and conditions apply) | Not recorded |
Reference: Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III (entry 338)
What else is it called?
- Menthol; dl-menthol; l-menthol; d-menthol
Sources
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products — Annex III, European Union, 2009
- Opinion on Fragrance Allergens in Cosmetic Products, European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, 2012
Always check the physical label. Yasno describes evidence and regulatory status. It never says a product is free of an allergen or safe for you, and it is not medical advice.
Yasno reads the whole label from a photo and explains every ingredient like this. It is coming soon to the App Store.