Menthyl Lactate

INCI: Menthyl Lactate

The cooling effect of menthyl lactate is milder than that of pure menthol, but is much better tolerated by the skin.
It can help to soothe skin irritation and calm the skin. It also has mild exfoliating properties that can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. It can be used as an active ingredient in cooling gels, sports creams, after-sun care, shaving products and much more.
Due to its mint-like odour, it is also used in flavour (oral care) and fragrance applications. Menthyl lactate is an ester of menthol and lactic acid of natural origin.

The cooling effect on the skin can be increased by adding 5 - 10% alcohol.
The cooling effect depends on the dose, but also on the type of formulation. Polar oils such as short-chain ester oils or MCT oils have a stronger effect than non-polar oils such as long-chain vegetable oils.
However, high doses of oils and waxes can significantly reduce the cooling effect.

The product should be added to the emulsion at around 40 °C. One possibility is to pre-dissolve the raw material in perfume oils or fatty oils, as it is insoluble in water, and then add it to the formulation.