Menthyllactat: Sind Kühlmittel in der Hautpflege sicher?

Have you ever applied a skincare product that instantly gave a refreshing, cooling sensation? That soothing effect often comes from menthyl lactate, a popular cooling agent used in lotions, toners, and after-sun gels. While it feels amazing on the skin, many people wonder: Is it really safe?
Let’s explore what menthyl lactate is, how it works, and whether you should be concerned about its safety.

What Is Menthyl Lactate?

Menthyl lactate is a compound derived from menthol and lactic acid. It’s a synthetic or naturally derived ester designed to provide a mild cooling effect—less sharp than pure menthol. This ingredient is commonly used in skincare, body care, and even lip care products to give a refreshing, soothing feeling without irritation.

How Does It Work on the Skin?

Unlike menthol, which can feel intense or even cause redness, menthyl lactate acts more slowly and gently. When applied, it stimulates the skin’s cold receptors (TRPM8), creating a pleasant cooling sensation that can last for hours.

This makes it ideal for:

• After-sun products (to calm overheated skin)
• Moisturizers and toners (for a fresh, clean feel)
• Anti-fatigue creams (to energize tired skin)
• Men’s grooming products (for a post-shave cooling effect)

Safety and Skin Tolerance

The good news: menthyl lactate is considered safe for cosmetic use.
It’s approved by international regulatory bodies such as:

• EU Cosmetic Regulation
• US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Japan’s MHLW

Clinical tests show that menthyl lactate is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, Und non-toxic at standard concentrations (typically 0.1–1%). Because it’s milder than menthol, it’s often chosen for sensitive or dry skin formulations.

However, as with any active ingredient:

• Patch-test if you have extremely sensitive skin
• Avoid combining with strong acids or retinoids in the same routine
• Use sunscreen if applied in daytime cooling products

Benefits Beyond Cooling

Beyond its cooling sensation, menthyl lactate also offers additional cosmetic benefits:

• Soothes irritation from sun exposure or shaving
• Enhances product sensory appeal, making formulas feel luxurious
• Improves fragrance balance, reducing harsh menthol notes
• Boosts consumer satisfaction in “refreshing” skincare lines

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Are Cooling Agents Harmful?

Some users worry that cooling ingredients might mask irritation or cause hidden damage. In truth, this risk mainly applies to high concentrations of menthol, not menthyl lactate.

When used responsibly, menthyl lactate:

• Does not damage the skin barrier
• Does not increase sensitivity to UV or pollution
• Bietet temporary relief without masking inflammation

So, yes—cooling agents like menthyl lactate are generally safe, as long as they are properly formulated by reputable brands.

If you’re working in the cosmetics or skincare industry and are looking for a raw material supply that combines quality, stability, and regulatory compliance, we recommend Triethanolamine Salicylate.

This high-performance ingredient, widely used in skincare formulations, combines soothing and antiseptic properties.

You can find more information on the Zleygroup website.
If you’re working in the cosmetics or skincare industry and looking for a high-quality, stable, and compliant raw material supply, we recommend learning about Triethanolaminsalicylat. This high-performance ingredient, widely used in skincare formulations, provides both soothing and antiseptic properties. You can find more information on our website.