COOLING AND REFRESHING USES OF MENTHOL CRYSTAL

WHAT ARE MENTHOL CRYSTALS?

Menthol Crystals are derived from the Mentha Arvensis Botanica, also known as Peppermint, Mint, Wild Mint, and Japanese Mint. Menthol Crystals are solid constituent of Mint Oil which have waxy consistency and strong minty, cooling odor and taste and are colorless or white with brittle and satiny crystalline texture.  Menthol Crystals are obtained from the Mint leaf through the process of distillation after which the resultant crystals would be removed through a filtering process. The crystallization process involves deep freezing of the menthol crystals which turns them into waxy, dissolvable crystals. This results in a concentrated and convenient way for usage and storage.

Menthol crystals, which contain the essential properties of the mint plant, are used in a number of products we use every day to create a variety of refreshing, stimulating and soothing effects. Alternatively, menthol crystals may be produced synthetically by hydrogenation.  However, in ancient times when Menthol Crystals had not yet been discovered, the Peppermint plant was used to address symptoms of all respiratory ailments. In fact, Peppermint leaves were chewed to eliminate foul breath and to ease throat soreness, and they were used to make ointment to soothe skin afflicted with cuts, wounds and burns. Eventually, by the 19th century, Menthol finally arrived in America and gradually gained popularity for its effectiveness in easing various health issues.

In addition to use in the cosmetic industry today, menthol boasts many health benefits and is also a component of several over-the-counter medications because of its local anaesthetic, analgesic and counter-irritant properties and is used as a topical cough remedy and ointments for pains and aches. Mouthwash, toothpaste, throat spray, intranasal inhalers, chewing gum, lozenges, hair products and pain ointments often contain menthol. Most people recognize menthol as the cooling and refreshing sensation together with its unique scent it provides as the main benefit in terms health, skincare and aromatherapy. 

CAN MENTHOL CRYSTALS BE USED ON SKIN?

Menthol Crystals can be melted and added to your cream and lotion and are soluble in both oils and alcohol and they do have many applications in anti-fungal and anti-bacterial products. Menthol crystals can be added to carrier oils and applied topically to the skin to reduce irritation, itchiness and sunburn. You can add menthol in honey gel base to soothe sunburns, cuts or bruises.

Menthol crystals engage the cold sensitive receptors in our skin and provide a cooling sensation and hence can be used in after-sun lotions, cooling scrubs or creams to eliminate blackheads, diminish appearance of red/sensitive spots and prevent acne breakouts. The astringent properties of menthol are known to tighten the skin and is also known to revitalize and enliven skin in cosmetic products such as deodorants, after-shave, lip-care, shower gels and lotions. Menthol Crystals added to skincare for cooling and healing benefits.

HOW DO MENTHOL CRYSTALS HELP HAIR GROWTH?

Menthol Crystals can be added to your haircare products due to its soothing and cooling properties and at the same time it can also increase hair strength and foster faster growth. This is contributed by their antibacterial, circulation, stimulating and invigorating benefits. Menthol indeed has the ability to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and enable hair follicles to open up, leading to more hair growth.

Menthol is thought to have a balancing effect which regulates oil production on the scalp and clears dandruff and debris from hair follicles. Menthol’s antimicrobial properties can help balance the skin microbiome and prevent the scalp from getting scalp infection that causes itchiness. By improving hair damage, removing pollutants and excess sebum, menthol encourages growth of longer, stronger and more luscious hair. As we are aware, hair care products that contain peppermint oil have vasodilating effects that are found to boost hair growth over a period of time of continuous usage. 

CAN YOU PUT MENTHOL CRYSTALS IN LIP BALM?

The cooling effect of menthol crystals makes it a perfect ingredient for oral care especially when you want your mouth to feel clean and refreshed.  Menthol Crystals add a cooling and tingling sensation to the lips and just a small amount of menthol crystals to a lip balm you do not need to worry about exceeding the usage rate of the Peppermint Essential Oil.

However, we need to understand that we do not share the same body and metabolism, therefore it is not surprising that menthol may create a cooling sensation in some people, and skin irritation in others when it comes to lip care.  There is still no scientific evidence showing that menthol is harmful to the lips when used in cosmetics, as such it is always wise to do a patch test before you begin using any new product. 

IS PEPPERMINT OIL THE SAME AS MENTHOL CRYSTALS?

Menthol crystals are simply a solid form of Peppermint essential oil and menthol is the main component of Peppermint oil and is responsible for the noticeable cooling sensation.  As Peppermint oil is derived from the process of distillation, it is then frozen at a certain temperature to undergo the process of freezing to cause the oil to crystalize, forming Menthol Crystals.  Menthol crystals actually look like crystals as they are a small, clear, brittle, crystalline substance which is a commonly found in muscle rubs, cough syrups, toothpastes, lozenges, soaps, and more.

Menthol Crystals share almost the same benefits of the Peppermint oil. However, Menthol Crystals are extremely concentrated, and therefore only small amounts of the crystals are needed for effective applications and uses in various recipes in relation to their soothing and anti-inflammation benefits. Recipes which call for concentrated cooling, menthol crystals are the preferred choice and menthol is especially useful if fragrance is emphasized in your recipe.  On the other hand, Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, but it also contains other components.    

HOW DO YOU USE MENTHOL CRYSTALS IN SOAP? 

Menthol has anti-fungal and anti-bacteria properties and adding this into your handmade soap allows your skin to feel soothing, comfortable, refreshed as it gently cleanses your skin especially for those who have acne-prone skin, leaving it looking radiant and smooth. Any skin type can use soap containing menthol to wash away dirt and grease without drying out their skin.  Your soap is not only formulated with menthol for a cool, clean feeling but also the long-lasting scent of the icy menthol notes.

Try adding menthol crystals to soap recipes to enhance your soapmaking.  Just make sure the crystals are completely dissolved in the soaping oils and stirred well to reduce skin irritations. Menthol dissolves readily into alcohol or essential oils, and they can be added to recipes at 1-2% at their melting point of 42ºC.  This amount is enough to give your soap bars a very light scent and a cooling sensation on sensitive areas of your skin. You can increase or decrease the amount depending on your personal preference.

HOW DO YOU DILUTE MENTHOL CRYSTALS IN OIL?

Menthol Crystals are solid at room temperature but can be easily dissolved with the help of gentle heating, therefore making it easy to add to liquids to create mentholated preparations. They are also soluble in alcohol, making them excellent for use in home fragrance and other DIY projects. Whichever application you choose to use Menthol Crystals just remember that the recommended usage level is 0.5%-8%. 

To make a Menthol Crystal blend inhaler, you can combine the following ingredients in a small amber roller glass bottle:

1 tsp. Menthol Crystals (dissolved in coconut oil),

15 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil,

10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil.

Cap the bottle properly and shake well to ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly mixed together. To use this carminative inhaler, simply uncap the bottle and take a few deep breaths or apply the blend on your wrist for a deeper inhalation or even on your forehead if you are experiencing tension headache. This travel blend is also beneficial for addressing motion sickness and indigestion.

You can also add menthol crystals to any carrier oil such as coconut oil to make an invigorating massage oil that is perfect for addressing body pains or aches.  To make it more effective, you can add in beeswax, shea butter, and other essential oils such as Eucalyptus or Wintergreen.  The method below is very simple with just these few ingredients.

Heat the coconut oil until warm

Add in butters, menthol crystals and/or beeswax and stir together until mixture is melted and combined

Allow to cool slightly

Stir in other essential oils

Your measurements can vary according to your personal preferences whether for a stronger or a milder mentholated rub.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MENTHOL CRYSTALS?

In cosmetics and skincare products, menthol crystals help to give the skin the sensation of cooling and are often used to relieve pain and to improve the scent and flavor of the product.  Menthol works well with most other ingredients and is suitable for all skin types. 

Cosmetic/Skincare

When used cosmetically, Menthol Crystals can also calm skin irritation and itching.  Adding this to your skincare products can even eliminate blackheads and whiteheads together with diminishing the appearance of dark spots and age spots.  This is due to their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which help promote cleaner, clearer and smoother skin.

Menthol crystals are great ingredient in shaving creams because it reduces irritation, inflammation and redness that often goes along with shaving and because of their refreshing, soothing qualities, they can be mixed with any carrier oil to create some cooling and moisturizing effects. And it also works great as a lip balm which help soothe cracked and chapped lips.

Menthol can also function as a topical analgesic in certain skincare products such as facial cleansers formulated for acne or other painful skin conditions, thanks to its ability to create a cooling sensation. This cooling effect also makes it a very useful ingredient for after-sun products as it calms and soothes the hot, painful impact caused by overexposure to the sun.

Aromatherapy

Used in aromatherapy, Menthol reduces nasal congestion and promotes easier breathing, soothe dry coughs and sore throats, assists with nausea, alleviate fever symptoms, headaches, and most importantly, it supports immunity.  Menthol works well as a decongestant for those who suffer from allergies and sinus issues and by diffuser use, the stimulating scent of menthol opens up their airways better than the concentrated throat sprays.  Not only that, the scent is also great to provide relief of stress, anxiety and nervousness. Not forgetting, the refreshing scent of menthol is an excellent non-toxic solution to replace artificial air fresheners in your home.

Hair care

Used in hair, Menthol is able to promote hair growth because it is known to clear debris from hair follicles, eliminate dandruff, regulate oil production on the scalp and stimulate circulation. You will often find menthol as a common ingredient in hair shampoo and conditioner because menthol creates the perfect conditions for stronger and healthier hair. Try adding menthol crystals to your favorite hair oil today as a hair growth accelerator and massage onto your scalp before you shower, preferably twice a week.

Medicinally

The cooling sensation of Menthol Crystals is ideal for addressing aches, pain and cramps. The anti-inflammatory nature of menthol and its soothing and calming effect makes it helpful for addressing aches, pain and cramps and is also commonly one of the main ingredients for a wide variety of different creams targeting at relieving pain in the joints or aching hands and feet.

Menthol, in various forms, has long been a trusted and reliable way to be used as decongestant agents for their ability to promote the opening up of airways, easing tension headaches, nausea and dizziness and soothe an irritated or sore throat. A primary ingredient in cough, cold and flu medicine such as throat and mouth spray and cough lozenges, it also works great to relieve sinus congestion, phlegm and irritating cough.

A simpler way is by dropping 1-2 crystals into a bowl of steaming hot water, then drape a large towel over your head and the bowl.  Simply inhale deeply to open the sinuses and airways. Just make sure you close both your eyes while doing this as the crystals may sting your eyes. The combination of Menthol Crystals and steam is reputed to open up your airways, soothe irritated, inflamed, and congested sinuses, therefore making it so much easier to breathe.

Mint has been used to calm digestive upset for thousands of years, and evidence suggests that menthol could relieve symptoms and ease inflammation, pain and cramping associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

CAN MENTHOL CRYSTALS HAVE HARMFUL EFFECTS AND WHAT ARE THE SAFETY MEASURES?

Menthol can cause eye, nose and skin irritation. When used on skincare, menthol is typically diluted into a “carrier oil”, lotion, or other liquid preparation. If a high-percentage menthol product is applied to the skin, irritation and even chemical burns have been reported and there are a few reviews of people being very sensitive to menthol and having severe skin reactions to even small amounts.

In high doses of inhalation, menthol side effects may include drowsiness, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, headache and some allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis.  For safety measure, you should not apply topical products that contain menthol to damaged skin or open wounds.

As a precautionary manner when using menthol crystals for the first time, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by creating a dilution of 1 part of menthol crystal to 4 parts carrier oil and applying a small amount to your skin and watch for allergy reaction. Always start with a small amount and add as needed. Starting with too much can cause skin irritations and headaches. We would recommend a 0.5%-8% dilution for all types of application. Be sure to use gloves if you are handling large amounts of crystals, or to wash your hands immediately after touching to avoid spreading to sensitive areas.

DIY GUIDE – NATURAL MINT LEMONGRASS SOAP TO REMOVE ALL STUBBORN PIGMENTATION (SPA SENSATION)

Lemongrass benefits: Penetrates deep into the facial skin pores and removes Pigmentation Marks, Skin Blemishes and Dark Patches. Makes your skin super clear and vibrant. Giving your pores a deep clean with its antimicrobial benefits to start your day head on. Lemongrass has a calming effect and menthol that provides cooling effect with this refreshing bar blended with Peppermint and Tea Tree essential oil is the best spa experience one could ever have.

Menthol crystal benefits: Menthol Crystals contribute a cooling sensation to the skin, calm irritation, itching, and burning, eliminate blackheads and whiteheads, diminish the appearance of dark spots and age spots, and promote clearer skin

Peppermint Essential Oil benefits: Has strong antimicrobial properties that acts as an effective natural element to combat acne. Not only does it cleanse skin and unclog pores, it also provides the epidermis with the optimal environment in which to thrive.

Tea Tree Essential Oil Benefits: Powerful weapon against acne. Several studies have shown that it helps reduce the amount and overall severity of acne. Scientific examination of Tea Tree oil found that application not only reduced activity of bacteria but also killed them in lab after 4 to 6 hours.

Castor Oil Benefits: Rich in ricinoleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fatty acid. These types of fats can be used to moisturize the skin. They act as humectants, which retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin.

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HOW TO MAKE ❓

💌 Prepare the soap base and cut into cubes. Then melt these using double boiler.

💌 Put about 10ml of castor oil into glass beaker

💌 Add 1g of Menthol crystal, stir to melt it.

💌 Add 5g of Lemongrass powder and stir again

💌 Pour the mixture into the soap base that have been melted.

💌 Add 5 drops of Peppermint and Tea Tree essential oil

💌 Stir again until fully combined

💌 Pour the soap into the soap mold

💌 Let it sit about 30 minutes to harden

💌 Unmold your soaps after hardening, Ready to use❗

💌 Try this natural Lemongrass soap now and surely you can do it yourself  🥰