Menthyl Lactate in Oral Care and Personal Care
Menthyl lactate (CAS 59259-38-0) is a cooling agent that cools without a strong mint odour – which is exactly what many oral-care and personal-care products need. This page looks at how it is used and how it is blended.
Why menthyl lactate in these products?
| Property | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Weak odour | Adds cooling without dominating the flavour or fragrance |
| Mild, long-lasting cooling | A smooth cool that lingers, rather than a sharp hit |
| Low volatility | The effect is more sustained than menthol’s |
| Lipophilic ester | Blends into oil-based and emulsion systems |
Typical oral-care uses
| Product | Role of menthyl lactate |
|---|---|
| Toothpaste | Lingering cooling feel without overpowering the flavour |
| Mouthwash / rinse | Smooth, low-odour cooling |
| Chewing gum | A cool effect that lasts through chewing |
| Mints / candy | Gentle, prolonged cooling finish |
Typical personal-care uses
| Category | Role of menthyl lactate |
|---|---|
| Skin care | Refreshing, long-lasting cooling sensation |
| Shaving products | Cooling feel after shaving |
| Hair care | Invigorating cooling scalp sensation |
| Body and bath | Refreshing coolness |
Blending coolants
Menthyl lactate is rarely used alone. Formulators blend it with other coolants to shape the cooling curve:
| Role in the blend | Component |
|---|---|
| Immediate hit | Menthol or a WS-type coolant |
| Long, smooth tail | Menthyl lactate |
| Flavour | Mint or non-mint flavour base |
The result: a product that feels cool quickly, keeps a gentle cool for longer, and does not smell overpoweringly of mint. That is why menthyl lactate is a staple of modern “cooling” formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use menthyl lactate instead of menthol?
Because it cools with much less odour and for longer, so it suits products that should feel cool without a strong mint smell.
Does it replace menthol?
It usually complements it – menthyl lactate gives the long, smooth cooling; menthol or a WS coolant gives the quick, strong hit.
How much is used?
Low levels, set by the required cooling and confirmed by sensory testing.
Does it work in non-mint products?
Yes – its weak odour is the point; it can add cooling to fruit, tea or other flavours.
Is it a medicine?
No – it is a cooling/sensory ingredient for oral care, food and cosmetics, not a medicine.
Related reading
- Menthyl lactate (CAS 59259-38-0): properties, production and applications
- Menthyl lactate vs menthol and other coolants
- L-Menthol in oral care and formulation
- Menthyl lactate (CAS 59259-38-0) – product page
PolyBlueChem supplies menthyl lactate (CAS 59259-38-0) for oral care and personal care, with per-batch COA and SDS. Contact us with your application and tonnage.