Mentha Arvensis, better known as peppermint (Mentha piperita), wild mint, or simply mint, is a plant well-known for its botanical properties and has found its way into hundreds of products that we use every day.

Menthol crystals, which contain the essential properties of the mint plant, are used in these products to create a variety of refreshing and soothing effects. In this guide, we will cover some of the important properties of this ingredient and detail some of its uses in the skincare industry, as well as some of the ways you can start using them in your own recipes at home.

What Are Menthol Crystals?

Technically, menthol crystals are simply a solid form of mint essential oil. Unlike most other kinds of essential oils that don’t offer much practical use in solid form, these crystals have a wide range of applications spanning multiple industries.

They are created through a process of steam distillation to extract the potent oils from the leaves, which is then distilled further until the crystals are extracted. These highly concentrated crystals can then be used in various recipes where they lend themselves well in matters of soothing and anti-inflammation.

Most people recognize menthol for the benefits that it provides in matters of sore throats, which is one of the reasons why we find this ingredient used in everything from cough drops to cigarettes. However, for our purposes here, we won’t be discussing the value of these crystals when it comes to their consumption or use in various products that can be consumed.

You might be surprised to know just how effective - and how common - the use of these crystals are in matters of skin care. Menthol has long been utilized as a herbal or botanical remedy for a wide range of ills. It is even used in aromatherapy because it is thought that the scent of menthol helps in matters related to anxiety and stress.

How is Menthol Used in Skincare?

This special ingredient can be easily utilized in your recipes to create a soothing effect on the skin. Even a relatively small amount of this substance can have a dramatic effect, so a little goes a long way.

Here are some of the benefits of menthol crystals when used topically:

●Works great as a lip balm and can help soothe chapped lips.

●Works well to soothe the pain and irritation associated with sunburns.

●The anti-inflammatory nature of menthol makes it effective for a wide variety of different lotions and creams aimed at relieving pain in the joints or tired hands and feet.

●Often used for soothing back pain-related products as well.

●Can also be used topically on the throat area to relieve some of the effects of sore throat without having to actually ingest anything.

●A great ingredient in shaving creams because it smells great and reduces inflammation and redness.

●Can be mixed with your carrier oil of choice to form a variety of moisturizing effects and benefits depending on the oil and other ingredients you use. Great for imparting refreshing, soothing qualities to moisturizing recipes.

As you can see from this list, the topical benefits of menthol alone make it a valuable ingredient to have on hand, even if you are only crafting DIY recipes as a hobby.

One thing that’s useful about these crystals is that they can be used strictly for fragrance purposes in your formulas. While their skin-soothing benefits are noticeable, that isn’t the only reason to include this ingredient in your formulas. The value you can impart simply by adding the refreshing minty scent to your lotions and balms makes this a great ingredient for your recipes.

Another worthwhile benefit of using menthol crystals is that they are an all-natural ingredient. In an industry often dominated by synthetic substances that don’t always play nice with everyone’s skin, menthol oil is completely natural and is considered safe for most skin types. This ingredient is completely vegan as well so it can be used in a truly wide range of products.

The Best Ingredients For Your Recipes

Whether it’s for your own line of holistic skin care products, special aromatherapy products, or even body care items like shaving creams and foot lotions, these crystals are sure to provide you with the beneficial qualities you need to make a diverse array of great personal care and lifestyle products.

Here in our store, you can find high-quality menthol crystals and other ingredients as well, including soap bases, lotion ingredients, surfactants, emollients, fragrances, and more, all at great prices. With convenient bulk purchasing options as well, there’s no reason you have to go without the ingredients you need to craft a wide range of amazing recipes. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can always reach out to us as well at 800-359-0944 for more information!