MENTHOL is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-ALLERGEN-.
MENTHOL
Safety grade: C
Menthol is a cooling compound naturally found in peppermint and spearmint plants that creates a refreshing, tingling sensation on skin. It's the same ingredient that makes breath mints feel cool and refreshing.
Menthol is used in cosmetics to provide a cooling and soothing sensation, mask odors, and refresh the skin while also making products unpalatable to discourage accidental ingestion.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- EU COSING — Restricted
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to MENTHOL
- BISABOLOL — Grade A. Provides soothing and skin-conditioning benefits with cooling sensation.
- ALLANTOIN — Grade A. Soothes and protects skin with calming, anti-irritant properties.
- MENTHYL LACTATE — Grade A. Menthol derivative delivering refreshing sensation and odor masking.
Other EU Fragrance Allergen ingredients
- LIMONENE — Grade C
- LINALOOL — Grade C**
- BENZYL ALCOHOL — Grade C**
- CITRONELLOL — Grade C
- HEXYL CINNAMAL — Grade C
- GERANIOL — Grade C
Other Soothing ingredients
- SUCROSE — Grade A
- JOJOBA ESTERS — Grade A
- ZINC CHLORIDE — Grade B**
- CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT — Grade A
- POTASSIUM NITRATE — Grade A**
- METHYL SALICYLATE — Grade C