Menthol

Used to soothe.

In the Fragrance group In the Fragrance allergens group

What it is

A cooling substance found naturally in peppermint and other mint oils, also made in a lab. EU rules require it to be named on the label when present above set levels.

Gives a cool, refreshing feel on the skin and adds a minty scent.

A short summary from the dictionary, not yet an in-depth article. About these entries

What it does in a formula

Used to sootheOfficial EU function: Soothing

Makes alcohol undrinkableOfficial EU function: Denaturant

RefreshesOfficial EU function: Refreshing

Adds scentOfficial EU function: Fragrance

Why some people watch for it

Fragrance

Some people prefer unscented products, and people with sensitive skin often look for fragrance because it is one of the ingredient types most often linked to skin reactions.

Fragrance allergens

The EU singles out these substances because some people are allergic to them. People who know they react to one can use this list to check a label.

A group is a fact about the ingredient, not a judgement of it.

What official sources say

Worth knowing · Cosmetics, EU

A fragrance allergen: EU labels must name it above 0.001 % in leave-on and 0.01 % in rinse-off products.

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III: list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down (CosIng), retrieved 2026-10-09

A label gives no amounts, so none of this says a product is unsafe.