Menthol
Menthol suppliers and sourcing guide
Menthol is a cyclic terpene alcohol that gives mint its cooling character. Natural L-menthol is crystallized by chilling cornmint oil (Mentha arvensis), mostly in India, then centrifuged and dried. Synthetic L-menthol is made from petrochemical or other feedstocks by a small number of large producers, and racemic DL-menthol is a cheaper synthetic grade. It is sold as crystals or flakes and used in confectionery, chewing gum, oral care, cosmetics and OTC products.
- Also known as
- L-menthol · DL-menthol (racemic) · Peppermint camphor · 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol · CAS 89-78-1
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of menthol
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Natural L-menthol crystals
Crystallized from cornmint oil, sold as large crystals or flakes.
Synthetic L-menthol
Nature-identical L-menthol made by synthesis, with tight purity and steady pricing.
DL-menthol
Racemic synthetic menthol at a lower price, with a slightly different cooling profile.
Pharmacopeial grade
USP or other pharmacopeial grade for OTC and oral care products.
Liquid or melted
Menthol supplied melted or premixed in a solvent for easier dosing.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Assay
- Menthol purity by GC, typically with related substances (menthone, isomenthol, neomenthol) reported.
- Optical rotation
- Specific rotation, which distinguishes L-menthol from DL-menthol.
- Melting or congealing range
- Melting range by capillary method, a quick identity and purity check.
- Nonvolatile residue
- Residue on evaporation, which flags contamination.
- Heavy metals
- Lead and other metals by ICP-MS against the supplier's or pharmacopeial specification.
- Source declaration
- Natural or synthetic origin and, for natural grades, the plant source, which affects labeling and pricing.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Menthol sublimes and its crystals cake in warm storage, so keep it tightly sealed in lined drums or cartons in a cool area away from heat and strong odors. It is stable chemically; shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and caked or aged stock is usually retested for assay and melting range.
Lots and expiry dates
Natural menthol pricing follows the Indian cornmint harvest, while synthetic grades are steadier. Record grade (natural, synthetic, L or DL), assay and rotation per lot, and do not substitute one grade for another without updating labels and specifications.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.20 lists menthol (Mentha spp.) among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 172.515 lists menthol among synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists menthol (CAS 89-78-1) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 172.515 and 182.20.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Menthol suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking menthol suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell menthol? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of menthol can brands buy?
Common forms include natural L-menthol crystals, synthetic L-menthol, dL-menthol, pharmacopeial grade and liquid or melted. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for menthol include?
Expect assay, optical rotation, melting or congealing range, nonvolatile residue, heavy metals and source declaration, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should menthol be stored?
Menthol sublimes and its crystals cake in warm storage, so keep it tightly sealed in lined drums or cartons in a cool area away from heat and strong odors. It is stable chemically; shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and caked or aged stock is usually retested for assay and melting range.
What is the regulatory status of menthol?
21 CFR 182.20 lists menthol (Mentha spp.) among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. 21 CFR 172.515 lists menthol among synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists menthol (CAS 89-78-1) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 172.515 and 182.20.
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