Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data Sensitization Data Dermal Penetration

Menthol Cosmetic

INCI: MENTHOL

CAS Number
89-78-1
Function
counterirritant
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
EU Max Conc. 3%
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes CIR Expert Panel Johnson WJ Jr. (2018). Amended Safety Assessment of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
high
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for Menthol Cosmetic. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL ca.375 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL ca.667 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse oral REACH
NOEL 200 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL ca.1000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL ca.2143 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse oral REACH
NOAEL ca.375 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL ca.667 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse oral REACH
NOEL 200 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL ca.1000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL ca.2143 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse oral REACH

Sensitization Profile

Contact sensitization data for Menthol Cosmetic based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.

Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
fragrance
EU Allergen Listed
yes
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.2%
Cross-reactivity Group
none
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
IFRA Restricted

Source: EU 2023/1545; SCCS/1459/11

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Menthol Cosmetic, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
18-30%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis/dermis
Molecular Weight
156.3 Da
Log P
3.4
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
12-25%
Safety Margin Factor
high
Vehicle Dependent
Yes โ€” absorption varies by formulation

Source: J Pharm Sci 1996

Expert Verdict

Menthol is generally considered safe for use as a counterirritant in cosmetic formulations.

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Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

Allergen epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Menthol Cosmetic safe in cosmetics?

Menthol is generally considered safe for use as a counterirritant in cosmetic formulations. The EU classifies Menthol Cosmetic as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Menthol Cosmetic allowed in the EU?

Menthol Cosmetic EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 3%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Menthol Cosmetic do in cosmetics?

Menthol Cosmetic functions as: counterirritant. It is classified as a Cosmetic Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 89-78-1.

What is the Margin of Safety for Menthol Cosmetic?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Menthol Cosmetic?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Menthol Cosmetic is ca.375 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

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