8.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Cooling agent · Flavor enhancer · Fragrance component · Antimicrobial agent
Menthol
Also known as: mint camphor, peppermint oil, L-menthol
Molecular Formula
C10H20O
Molecular Weight
156.26 g/mol
Category
Flavoring agent
Bottom Line: Menthol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-formulated products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a history of allergies
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to menthol or mint
- you have respiratory issues
- you are using on children under 2 years
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H20O |
| Molecular Weight | 156.26 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 43.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 212.0°C |
| Solubility | very soluble in alcohol and volatile oils; slightly soluble in water |
| Log P | 3 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, lip balms. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Candies, gum, beverages. Generally safe in food, but check for allergies.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics, cough syrups. Follow dosage instructions to avoid side effects.
Supplement
Digestive aids, pain relief supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Menthol is generally safe for skin contact in cosmetic formulations.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Oral ingestion of menthol can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of menthol vapors is typically safe but may irritate sensitive airways.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Menthol can cause significant irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to menthol may lead to adverse reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated in adults for topical and oral use.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe when used in moderation.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Most adults tolerate menthol well in topical and oral applications. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on menthol use during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Infants and young children may be more sensitive to menthol's effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Menthol is generally considered safe during breastfeeding. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from menthol. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Menthol is widely used for its flavoring and cooling properties, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | Not a skin irritant | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human clinical study | No sensitization observed | EFSA Opinion (2016) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Menthol is widely used for its flavoring and cooling properties, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity.
- Menthol is effective as a flavoring agent.
- Low toxicity levels reported in various studies.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Menthol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Menthol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 3%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Menthol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Menthol is safe for use in cosmetic products with specific concentration limits.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Menthol
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Menthol is safe for use in food at specified levels.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Annex III entry 338; no maximum concentration is recorded in CosIng for this entry; check the entry's conditions of use Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED IN COSMETICS (ANNEX III, ENTRY 338)
Annex III entry 338; no maximum concentration is recorded in CosIng for this entry; check the entry's conditions of use
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Max 3% in cosmetics
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Menthol is generally safe, but those with sensitive skin should use caution.
Though rare, menthol can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Menthol is commonly used as a flavoring agent in candies and beverages.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:33:07.983461Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
| Regulatory status correction | 2026-10-29T21:31:51.905952+00:00 | 8.0 | EU regulatory status replaced with the CosIng Annex entry; the safety score was not re-evaluated. |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.