Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating mentha piperita liquid menthol

  • mentha piperita liquid menthol

    Posted by David08848 on October 16, 2018 at 2:34 am
    I purchased a bottle of “mentha piperita” liquid menthol a while ago and wanted to try using it in Men’s Shaving Cream but am unsure of the proper percentage to use for this purpose.  I have looked online for hours and haven’t found anything that gives this information and the company from whom I purchased it no longer sells it in liquid form.
    A. It this actually liquid menthol or is it peppermint essential oil?
    B.  What would be the proper usage rate for this purpose?
    Thanks for any assistance you are able to give!
    David08848 replied 5 years, 7 months ago 3 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies
  • em88

    Member
    October 16, 2018 at 8:04 am
    A. It this actually liquid menthol or is it peppermint essential oil?
    I believe you got some papers with that bottle. It should be specified on the bottle as well.

    B.  What would be the proper usage rate for this purpose?
    I missed the purpose you want to add this EO. If you want the cooling effect, maybe 0.1-0.2% should be enough 
  • Dr Catherine Pratt

    Member
    October 16, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    @David08848 I believe you got peppermint oil. I would only use a small amount like 0.05% at first. Both peppermint & menthol are really strong even at low concentrations. 
    Hope this helps 

  • David08848

    Member
    October 16, 2018 at 1:52 pm
    Thank you both for your replies!  I went on the “Wayback Machine” and looked up the newdirectionsaromatics website in 2007 and found this description:
    Botanical Name: Mentha Arvensis
    Plant Part: Herb
    Extraction Method: Steam
    Origin: USA
    Description: Menthol
    Liquid is derived from the plant Mentha arvensis. This perennial herb
    may grow up to 1 meter in height, and it has long, underground runners
    by which it is easily propagated.
    Color: Clear transparent slight pale yellow liquid that may solidify in winter or cool conditions.
    Common Uses:
    It has been used as a flavoring for centuries, but also has
    applications in aromatherapy when applied to sore muscles or in
    combination with other products such as in a pain relief balm. It is
    often referred to as having a cooling effect.
    Consistency: Light
    Note: Top
    Strength of Aroma: Strong, penetrating
    Blends well with: Basil,
    Bergamot, Cajeput, Cedarwood (All), Cypress (All), Eucalyptus, Lemon,
    Lime, Mandarin, Marjoram (All), Niaouli, Pine (All), Rosemary (All),
    Spearmint, Thyme (All)
    Aromatic Scent: Menthol liquid is characterized by a clean, crisp mint smell.
    History: While
    Peppermint Essential Oils that have been derived from Mentha piperita
    plants have a long history, Menthol Liquid has been a more recent
    addition based on modern science. The natural process involves
    dementholized Peppermint oil from which menthol has been removed by
    crystallization.

    Cautions: Menthol
    can be sensitizing, particularly in concentrations. Aromatherapists
    recommend that this product be used in moderation.
    In Stock
    The problem with this listing is that it calls the product “Mentha Arvensis” rather than “mentha piperita” which is what is written on the bottle.  If I had the paperwork I would check that out but I do have what is written above in bold to go by and the scent of the bottle which is quite strong even though it is old.  I also am wondering if I should even bother trying this in a shaving cream or just either try Peppermint EO or just not do it at all!
    Thanks!

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