Menthol?

**angelino** · 07-16-2012, 12:52 PM

I like the idea of menthol on aftershaves and what not, seems like it would feel refreshing. I don't know if this is a dumb question, but, is there any downsides to using menthol in an aftershave? Is it 100% safe for your skin?

**ironfisted** · 07-16-2012, 01:01 PM

I'm pretty sure it's perfectly safe, judging by it's widespread use. I love my mentholated shave soaps in the summer time - very refreshing. Of course, if you have an allergy to it, then that's a whole other matter. I also love peanut butter, but if my niece gets her hands on some, it wouldn't be a pretty picture.

**mistercitizen** · 07-16-2012, 01:04 PM

I think that I've heard that it can be somewhat drying..... but nothing that a good moisturizing balm or lotion can't take care of. Personally, I love it both in shave creams, AS splashes and balms.

Ben

**Arcadies** · 07-16-2012, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by angelino

I like the idea of menthol on aftershaves and what not, seems like it would feel refreshing. I don't know if this is a dumb question, but, is there any downsides to using menthol in an aftershave? Is it 100% safe for your skin?

Men have been using Aqua Velva, Skin Bracer, Floid, Osage Rub and their ilk for generations..If there are side effects I think they would of shown themselves by now..so slap it on!

**BeeSeeDub** · 07-16-2012, 01:18 PM

I am sure there may be some who are sensitive to menthol - but is should be easy to test a small amount and see.

I'd bet you'd know by now if you were...it's fairly ubiquitous.

**angelino** · 07-16-2012, 01:22 PM

Thanks for the replies guys, looks as if I will be trying out some menthol AS in the near future. Maybe even a cream.

**Neognosis** · 07-16-2012, 01:25 PM

I found the proraso AS to actually be pretty good for my skin, at least it appears such.

**the_edski** · 07-16-2012, 01:50 PM

This. Fear not!

Originally Posted by Arcadies

Men have been using Aqua Velva, Skin Bracer, Floid, Osage Rub and their ilk for generations..If there are side effects I think they would of shown themselves by now..so slap it on!

**dcobranchi** · 07-16-2012, 02:11 PM

Order up some Osage. In for a penny...

**CFSoto** · 07-16-2012, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by angelino

I like the idea of menthol on aftershaves and what not, seems like it would feel refreshing. I don't know if this is a dumb question, but, is there any downsides to using menthol in an aftershave? Is it 100% safe for your skin?

Its absolutely not safe for my skin as I have had a severe skin allergy to things with Menthol in them since I was a child. And for me personally,I've never liked that intense cold effect it has on the skin.But thats all subjective and many people love that feeling !

Craig

**man00ver** · 07-16-2012, 05:57 PM

Those who enjoy cooling effects but whose skin is sensitive to menthol may want to seek out products with menthyl lactate instead. The cooling is a little more mild, but this mixture of lactic acid and menthol was developed to be easier on the skin.

Stetson Cooling Moisture AS contains menthyl lactate, and a little google-fu can be used to find some others.

**craig87c** · 07-16-2012, 06:09 PM

If menthol was dangerous, I would have no face at this point in my life

**Early Morning** · 07-16-2012, 10:43 PM

Menthol is often added to shaving products to mitigate some of the inflammatory reactions people experience after shaving. Menthol is soluble in alcohol but practically insoluble in glycerine. When they want mix it with something like water or glycerine, they use a solubilizer to force it into a solution. Menthol is found in many products with ingredients that are inherently irritating. Menthol is an anti-inflammatory when it is properly diluted.