Menthyl Lactate

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about menthyl lactate. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) assessed l-menthyl lactate and found it safe for use under the conditions evaluated. We found no CIR assessment.

Citations:

• • Api, A. M., et al. (2018). RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, l-menthyl lactate, CAS registry number 59259-38-0. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 115(Suppl 1), S61–S71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.11.041
    • What it shows: RIFM safety assessment.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Like menthol, it triggers the skin’s cold-sensing receptor (TRPM8), producing a cooling feeling. Compared with menthol, cooling agents of this type are slower to start, longer lasting, and less odorous.

Citations:

• • Bharate, S. S., & Bharate, S. B. (2012). Modulation of thermoreceptor TRPM8 by cooling compounds. ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 3(4), 248–267. https://doi.org/10.1021/cn300006u
    • What it shows: Review of cooling compounds and TRPM8.
  • Api, A. M., et al. (2018). RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, l-menthyl lactate, CAS registry number 59259-38-0. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 115(Suppl 1), S61–S71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.11.041
    • What it shows: Chemistry and safety data.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Menthyl lactate is generally considered gentler than menthol, but any cooling agent can sting sensitive skin.

Citations:

• • Api, A. M., et al. (2018). RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, l-menthyl lactate, CAS registry number 59259-38-0. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 115(Suppl 1), S61–S71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.11.041
    • What it shows: Safety data.
  • Patel, T., Ishiuji, Y., & Yosipovitch, G. (2007). Menthol: A refreshing look at this ancient compound. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 57(5), 873–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.008
    • What it shows: Review of menthol’s effects on skin.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of menthyl lactate on the scalp. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or relieve itching.

Citations:

• • Bharate, S. S., & Bharate, S. B. (2012). Modulation of thermoreceptor TRPM8 by cooling compounds. ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 3(4), 248–267. https://doi.org/10.1021/cn300006u
    • What it shows: Cooling mechanism.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported. The cooling sensation is well documented. Menthol is an FDA over-the-counter drug ingredient for relieving pain and itching; claims that menthyl lactate relieves itching, pain, sunburn, or insect bites would be drug claims, and ORY^® does not make them.

Citations:

• • Bharate, S. S., & Bharate, S. B. (2012). Modulation of thermoreceptor TRPM8 by cooling compounds. ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 3(4), 248–267. https://doi.org/10.1021/cn300006u
    • What it shows: Cooling mechanism.
  • Patel, T., Ishiuji, Y., & Yosipovitch, G. (2007). Menthol: A refreshing look at this ancient compound. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 57(5), 873–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.008
    • What it shows: Review of menthol, including itch.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. OTC Monograph M017 — External analgesic drug products for over-the-counter human use (menthol as a topical analgesic/antipruritic at 0.1–1% and counterirritant at 1.25–16%). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/monographs/OTC%20Monograph_M017-External%20Analgesic%20Drug%20Products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2005.02.2023.pdf
    • What it shows: FDA monograph listing menthol as a drug ingredient.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported, with caveats. In cold-process soap, the ester breaks down to menthol and lactate, so the cooling feel is sharper and shorter.

Citations:

• • Api, A. M., et al. (2018). RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, l-menthyl lactate, CAS registry number 59259-38-0. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 115(Suppl 1), S61–S71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.11.041
    • What it shows: Safety assessment.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
    • What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Supported by pharmacology and a RIFM safety assessment.

Citations:

• • Bharate, S. S., & Bharate, S. B. (2012). Modulation of thermoreceptor TRPM8 by cooling compounds. ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 3(4), 248–267. https://doi.org/10.1021/cn300006u
    • What it shows: Review.
  • Api, A. M., et al. (2018). RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, l-menthyl lactate, CAS registry number 59259-38-0. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 115(Suppl 1), S61–S71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.11.041
    • What it shows: Safety.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Stinging. Possible on sensitive skin or near the eyes.
  • Delayed onset. Cooling builds over a few minutes.
  • Children. Menthol-type ingredients should be kept away from the faces of young children.
  • No CIR assessment. Safety review is by RIFM.

Citations:

• • Patel, T., Ishiuji, Y., & Yosipovitch, G. (2007). Menthol: A refreshing look at this ancient compound. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 57(5), 873–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.008
    • What it shows: Menthol cautions.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Avoid the eyes and the inside of the nose.
  • Do not use on the faces of children under 6.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Do not use on broken or sunburned skin.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Patel, T., Ishiuji, Y., & Yosipovitch, G. (2007). Menthol: A refreshing look at this ancient compound. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 57(5), 873–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.008
    • What it shows: Menthol cautions.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Api, A. M., et al. (2018). RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, l-menthyl lactate, CAS registry number 59259-38-0. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 115(Suppl 1), S61–S71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.11.041
  • Bharate, S. S., & Bharate, S. B. (2012). Modulation of thermoreceptor TRPM8 by cooling compounds. ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 3(4), 248–267. https://doi.org/10.1021/cn300006u
  • Patel, T., Ishiuji, Y., & Yosipovitch, G. (2007). Menthol: A refreshing look at this ancient compound. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 57(5), 873–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.008

Government and regulatory sources

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. OTC Monograph M017 — External analgesic drug products for over-the-counter human use (menthol as a topical analgesic/antipruritic at 0.1–1% and counterirritant at 1.25–16%). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/monographs/OTC%20Monograph_M017-External%20Analgesic%20Drug%20Products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2005.02.2023.pdf
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap