Ingredient decoder

Menthol: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Menthol

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Cooling mint compound that can sting sensitive skin.

  • Denaturant
  • Masking
  • Refreshing
  • Soothing

Menthol in plain English

Menthol is the compound in mint that creates a cooling, tingling feel on skin. That cool tingle comes from triggering nerve endings, and at higher levels it can sting, dry or irritate skin. It does not clog pores, but irritated skin can make breakouts look redder, so it is best kept to rinse-off products if your skin is sensitive.

Is menthol bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Menthol is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Menthol
  • L-menthol
  • Dl-menthol
  • Menthol crystals
  • Mint camphor

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Frequently asked questions

Is menthol comedogenic?

Menthol has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does menthol do in skincare?

In short: cooling mint compound that can sting sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for denaturant, masking, refreshing and soothing.

What else is menthol called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, menthol can also appear as L-menthol, Dl-menthol, Menthol crystals or Mint camphor.

Sources