Working with Menthol Crystals

A lot of folks are hesitant about using menthol crystals in their cosmetics products and it’s understandable. Menthol packs a powerful pepperminty-punch that can be quite a strain on the eyes (and nose) when the crystals are heated.

As it is common to add ‘things that need to be melted’ during the heated phase and menthol crystals need to be melted before they can become part of a balm, lotion, salve or cream, it can seem like a bit of a conundrum.

Balms, lotions, creams and salves all (generally) require a heated phase where the respective waxes, butters, oils, and additional oil-soluble ingredients are melted together. Many waxes have a fairly high melt point - enough to cause irritation if menthol crystals are included in the mix.

How to melt menthol crystals without heat?

Enter essential oils – capable of dissolving menthol crystals without heat. All essential oils need to be able to dissolve menthol crystals is a bit of time and a bit of agitation.

Pictured: an essential oil blend in the process of dissolving the menthol crystals for the soothing balm they are about to be added to. Total time to dissolve: 15 minutes.

Do you work with essential oils and want to create your own bath products? This book might be just what you’re looking for.