TOPICAL MENTHOL - WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

You might have already heard of menthol – it’s used as a flavour in things like mints and gum – but did you know it can be used to help soothe pain too? This article will discuss topical menthol pain relief and how it might just be what you need to get back in the game if you’re struggling with pain symptoms.

What is menthol?

Menthol is a natural compound that is derived from mint plants. It can also be created synthetically. ‘Topical menthol’ refers to products that include menthol and are used on the body to help relieve pain.¹

What is menthol used for?

Menthol is a clever ingredient with a range of uses:

Menthol for pain relief – Topical menthol pain relief products, like Icy Hot^®, work as a counterirritant, creating a cooling sensation that distracts the brain from feeling the pain in the area it has been applied to.¹
Menthol for cough and cold relief – Works by activating cold receptors in the nose and throat to make breathing feel easier.²
Menthol for itch relief – The cooling sensation helps to reduce itching and skin irritation.³
Menthol for headache relief – Used as a roll on or balm for tension headaches, it helps reduce muscle tension and pain.¹
Menthol for oral products – Used in products like toothpaste and mouthwash to provide a fresh feeling.

Menthol is used for pain relief, sometimes on its own and sometimes in combination with other pain-relieving ingredients, in a variety of over-the-counter pain-relief products. Topical menthol analgesic is effective in treating sprains, strains, bruises, aches, and arthritis and can be used on different areas of the body including:

Ankle pain
Arm pain
Shoulder pain
Back pain
Elbow pain
Knee pain
Leg pain
Neck pain
Wrist pain

How does menthol relieve pain?

When applied topically, topical menthol analgesic stimulates TRPM8 receptors, which are on nerves that cause a cold sensation. Skin temperature doesn’t drop, but a strong cooling sensation is felt. Because pain and cold signals travel along similar nerve pathways, this means that the two sensations are competing for the brain’s attention. The brain focuses on the cooling sensation, and the pain signal becomes weaker and pain feels less intense. This mechanism is called ‘counterirritation’.¹

Icy Hot^® pain relief products with menthol deliver a unique Ice + Heat Therapy* formulation—icy sensations to dull pain, and warming sensations to relax it away.

Lidocaine vs Menthol - which is better?

Lidocaine and menthol work very differently, although they are both commonly used in over-the-counter topical pain-relief medicine. Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic with a different mechanism of action from menthol. It blocks sodium channels on nerves, which subsequently blocks pain signals and causes a local numbing sensation.⁴

	Menthol	Lidocaine
Targets	Muscle aches and joint pain; cool and warm sensation through nerve pathways	Used for more generalized pain; sodium channel blocker to reduce nerve signals
Type of relief	Response you feel working on contact	Maximum-strength lidocaine relief
How it works	Cooling and warming relief	Numbing relief

Using Menthol For Pain Relief

Menthol products for pain relief come in different forms and strengths, depending on what they are used for.

Forms of Menthol

Topical menthol analgesic is available in a range of forms, formulated for different pain needs and body parts:

Menthol Cream

Menthol lotion, like Icy Hot^®Cream, has a thick, creamy consistency. It’s good for covering larger areas and has the added benefit of moisturising the skin to which it is applied. It is often used for joint conditions like arthritis.

Menthol Gel

Menthol topical gel is normally less greasy than cream as it absorbs quickly into the skin. It is useful for providing targeted relief from pain and sore muscles in smaller areas.

Menthol Spray

Menthol topical sprays, like Icy Hot^®Dry Spray, are useful for mess-free application as they cover the target area with a fine mist. It works well on large or hairy areas but may need more frequent application as it evaporates more quickly.

Menthol Patch

Menthol patches for pain, like the Icy Hot^® Back Patch, are great when you need long-lasting relief as they can be worn for up to 8 hours.⁵

Menthol Balm

Menthol rubs, like Icy Hot^® Balm, come as a thick balm that can be applied to sore muscles to relieve pain.

When shouldn’t you use topical menthol

When used correctly, menthol topical pain relief is well-tolerated with a good safety profile for most people. However, there are certain situations where it should not be used, or should be used with caution, these include:

Do not use menthol topical pain relief if you are allergic or hypersensitive to menthol or any other ingredients in a topical menthol product.
Do not apply topical menthol cream to broken or irritated skin, including cuts or burns.
Do not use topical menthol products on sensitive skin, such as eczema or dermatitis.
Do not use menthol topical analgesic on children under 12 years old.
Avoid topical menthol on mucous membranes, such as inside the nose, eyes or genitals.
Avoid topical menthol around the face area for people with respiratory sensitivities like asthma.
Avoid topical menthol cream for people with cold hypersensitivity, like Reynaud’s disease, as the cooling sensation may feel uncomfortable.
Talk to your doctor before using menthol topical analgesic during pregnancy and breastfeeding as there is limited information available on its effects.⁶

FAQs about topical menthol

Is menthol safe during pregnancy?

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. ⁶

Does menthol reduce inflammation?

There is some evidence that menthol interacts with inflammatory pathways, but further research is needed to confirm if menthol has any effect on inflammation.⁷

Why does menthol feel cold?

Menthol stimulates TRPM8 receptors in the skin which activate the nerves that send cold signals. Although applying menthol makes the skin feel cooler, the temperature doesn’t actually change.¹

_{Note: Use all products only as directed. Icy Hot^®products containing counterirritants are indicated for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with: arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains, bruises. Icy Hot^® products containing Lidocaine are indicated for the temporary relief of pain. For questions about your specific situation, talk to your healthcare provider for further advice.}

*Refers to cooling and warming sensations.

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