Description
The crystalline form of L-Menthol, the natural enantiomer responsible for the cooling, peppermint-like sensory experience. The dominant active ingredient in cooling-flavor and oral-care applications globally.
White or colorless prismatic or needle-like crystals with characteristic peppermint odor. Highly soluble in alcohol and oils; limited water solubility. Sublimes slowly at room temperature, requiring sealed packaging.
We supply food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade Menthol Crystals from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include Natural L-Menthol from peppermint oil distillation (the premium grade for natural-positioning), Synthetic L-Menthol (the cost-effective workhorse), and Pharmaceutical Grade meeting BP/USP/EP/JP specifications.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering assay, specific rotation, melting point, refractive index, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Menthol was first isolated from peppermint oil in 1771. The compound has eight possible stereoisomers, with L-Menthol (the natural enantiomer found in mint oils) being the only form with significant cooling sensation; the other seven isomers have weaker or no cooling effect.
Industrial production splits between two routes: distillation from peppermint oil (Mentha arvensis or Mentha piperita), yielding natural L-Menthol; and asymmetric chemical synthesis from m-cresol or citronellal, yielding synthetic L-Menthol that is chemically identical to the natural form.
Recognized as a permitted food ingredient by the U.S. FDA, the European Food Safety Authority, and equivalent regulators worldwide. Listed in BP, USP, EP, and JP pharmacopoeias for pharmaceutical applications. JECFA-approved without a numerical Acceptable Daily Intake.
The molecule's cooling sensation comes from agonist activity at the TRPM8 cold-sensitive ion channel in sensory neurons, mimicking the temperature signal that ordinary cold stimuli produce. This is a direct neural-receptor effect rather than actual temperature change in the tissue.
Strategic role spans flavor, fragrance, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications globally. Total annual production exceeds 30,000 tonnes worldwide, with the synthetic form dominating cost-driven applications and the natural distilled form commanding a premium for clean-label and natural-positioning products.
Where it is used
- Chewing gum, hard candies, mints, and breath fresheners; the dominant cooling-flavor compound globally
- Toothpaste, mouthwash, and oral-care products; cooling sensation and breath-freshening
- Pharmaceutical cough drops, throat lozenges, and topical analgesic creams
- Tobacco products: menthol cigarettes, e-liquids, and pipe tobacco
- Cosmetic skincare: shaving creams, aftershave, and cooling skincare products
- Beverages: peppermint teas, cocktail mixers, and specialty cold beverages
- Frozen desserts and mint-flavored ice cream
- Bakery applications: peppermint cookies, candies, and chocolate
- Vapor rubs, decongestants, and inhalation therapy products
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colorless prismatic crystals |
| Assay | ≥ 99.0% |
| Specific rotation | −49.0° to −50.5° |
| Melting point | 42 °C to 44 °C |
| Refractive index (20 °C) | 1.461 to 1.466 |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 3 mg/kg |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 0.05% |
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