Salvona has released its water-activated MultiSal Menthol, an encapsulated form of pure menthol with enhanced stability, longevity and efficiency for cosmetics, skin care, hair care and other applications. The ingredient is designed to address the challenges of traditional menthol formulations, sustaining its topical analgesic and cooling benefits in modern products.
Encapsulation-enabled Efficacy and Sensory Benefits
Menthol is well-known for its refreshing and invigorating properties. According to the company, MultiSal Menthol (INCI: Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate (and) Menthol (and) Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract (and) Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (and) Hydrated Silica) enhances these benefits through an advanced encapsulation technology, delivering core advantages including:
- Triggered release – Enabled through a water-activated mechanism, releasing menthol upon contact with sweat, sebum or friction;
- Extended cooling sensation – Providing longer-lasting cooling effects compared to unencapsulated menthol formulations;
- Improved stability – Protecting menthol from degradation, even at elevated production temperatures, ensuring potency throughout a product’s shelf life; and
- Enhanced ease of use – Eliminating the challenges of formulating with raw menthol crystals by providing a stable, fine white powder.
These effects can be imparted in applications ranging from cooling gels and after-sun care, to scalp treatments and deodorants.
Proven Performance: From Retention and Release, to Cooling Intensity and Duration
Salvona reported on several studies conducted to confirm MultiSal Menthol's performance and cooling effects.
Stability and retention: A thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) tested menthol retention at elevated temperatures (up to 60°C). Free menthol began degrading above 30°C and was fully degraded by 50°C. However, MultiSal Menthol retained 94% of menthol mass at 60°C, underscoring its stability under high-temperature conditions.
Water-triggered release: The water-triggered release of menthol was evaluated in six panelists using deodorant samples containing either free menthol or MultiSal Menthol. Panelists rated the cooling and odor intensity pre- and post-application of water spray. Free menthol showed no significant variation, whereas MultiSal Menthol demonstrated a significant increase in both cooling intensity and odor release when exposed to water.
Cooling intensity and longevity: A controlled study compared the cooling intensity of a body powder with MultiSal Menthol (n = 12) and with free menthol (n = 12) over 60 min. The powders were applied to the forearms of panelists.
The free menthol powder peaked at a cooling intensity rating of 3 and dropped below 1 after 40 min, whereas the MultiSal Menthol powder achieved an initial intensity of 5 and maintained a rating of above 4 for the full test duration, showcasing its longevity and sensory performance.
MultiSal Menthol: Structure and Applications
MultiSal Menthol's advanced encapsulation reportedly leverages a microsphere-based structure, comprising an outer shell and a core containing submicron spheres. The shell prevents premature evaporation and protects menthol from environmental factors, while the core ensures consistent release upon activation.
This design addresses the formulation challenges associated with raw menthol crystals and volatile compounds, enabling its application in products such as:
- Cooling gels: Providing long-lasting refreshment and soothing effects for irritated skin;
- After-sun lotion: Easing discomfort with sustained cooling relief;
- Deodorants: Enhancing the sensory experience through water-activated menthol release;
- Scalp treatments: Delivering analgesic benefits and a fresh feel to soothe the scalp;
- Powder makeup and foundations: Creating light and breathable sensation;
- Overnight blemish patches: Combining with other Salvona technologies, patches can be created to deliver salicylic acid as well as soothing benefits;
- Dry shampoos: Providing instant refreshing and anti-irritant effects;
- Medicate body powder: Reducing itch and irritation with a cooling sensation;
- Toothpaste and toothpaste tablets: To impart intense, lasting refreshing effects; and
- Medicated lip balm: Offering cooling and soothing effects in formulas for chapped, dry and cracked lips.
By combining practicality and performance, MultiSal Menthol supports formulators in creating high-impact consumer products that stand out in the crowded beauty and personal care market. According to Salvona, this innovative menthol technology thus ensures consistent quality, enhanced stability and an unparalleled sensory experience.
