Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

MENTHANEDIOL.

Valuable CAS 42822-86-6 / HAIR CONDITIONING, ORAL CARE, SKIN CONDITIONING

Menthanediol, known scientifically as p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), is a naturally derived compound offering a multifaceted approach to skin protection. Primarily recognized for its robust insect repellent capabilities, it also imparts a distinct cooling sensation upon application and possesses inherent antimicrobial properties, contributing to a holistic skin defense strategy.

Summary

insect repellent skin conditioning sensory agent antimicrobial fragrance

Science

Mechanism of Action

Menthanediol functions as an insect repellent by creating a deterrent barrier and interfering with insect sensory receptors, notably activating specific olfactory receptors like OR136, which disrupts their ability to locate hosts. On the skin, it acts as a sensory agent, stimulating nerve endings to provide a direct cooling sensation. Furthermore, this compound exhibits inherent antimicrobial properties, contributing to skin hygiene.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 20–20%
Optimal

20%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated 90-95% reduction in mosquito biting for 6-8 hours, exhibiting similar efficacy to DEET in both laboratory and field studies.
  2. 02 Provided over 7 hours of protection against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, with repellent activity statistically comparable to a leading reference product.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Menthanediol's primary clinically supported function as an insect repellent requires specific, effective concentrations (e.g., 20%) to achieve its intended benefits. While it may have ancillary roles, its main utility is not typically found at sub-efficacious 'dusting' levels.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

The compound demonstrates excellent stability, resisting degradation from sunlight, heat up to 54°C, and common metals (iron, aluminum) or metal ions. It possesses slight water solubility (0.29 g/L at 25°C) and high solubility in alcohol/ethanol and other organic solvents (100,000 mg/L at 20°C).

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
20%
Sensitization risk Low

Menthanediol is considered safe for topical use, endorsed by health authorities like the U.S. CDC and EPA for insect bite prevention, with the EPA determining a 'reasonable certainty of no harm' for its pesticidal applications. It is classified as practically non-toxic for acute oral toxicity, dermal toxicity, and skin irritation (Toxicity Category IV). However, it is highly irritating to the eyes (Toxicity Category I). It is not a skin sensitizer. A no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 1000 mg/kg/day was established in a 90-day dermal toxicity study. Products containing PMD should not be used on children under 3 years of age.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Menthanediol is a valuable active ingredient, distinguished by its proven and health authority-endorsed efficacy as an insect repellent, complemented by its beneficial skin conditioning, cooling, and antimicrobial properties with a low risk of skin irritation.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…