Menthoxypropanediol
A menthol derivative with a cooling effect. It gives a fresh feel; sensitive skin may feel mild tingling.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Menthoxypropanediol (INCI: Menthoxypropanediol) is a menthol derivative with a cooling effect. In a formula it gives a fresh sensation on the skin without the sharp smell or volatility of pure menthol, useful in after-sun and soothing products. As an active it is a sensory ingredient. It creates a pleasant cooling feel, but it does not treat the skin or truly calm it on a biological level; the effect is perceptual, not therapeutic. It should be read as a touch of comfort rather than a functional skin active. Topically it is not systemically relevant, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding without concern. Irritation potential is low, but allergy potential is medium: on sensitive skin it can cause slight tingling or itch. If your skin reacts easily to cooling effects, patch test on a small area first.
Frequently asked questions
Is Menthoxypropanediol safe during pregnancy?
Menthoxypropanediol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Menthoxypropanediol for?
Menthoxypropanediol suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Menthoxypropanediol and what does it do in cosmetics?
A menthol derivative with a cooling effect.
What's the INCI name for Menthoxypropanediol?
The INCI name is Menthoxypropanediol.
See Menthoxypropanediol in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Menthyl PCA, Methicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-7/3 Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Sodium Salicylate, Benzyl Glycol, Diheptyl Succinate
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