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Moumoujus

MENTHONE.

Avoid CAS 89-80-5 / PERFUMING

Menthone is a volatile monoterpene, frequently utilized for its distinct minty fragrance in cosmetic formulations. Beyond its aromatic contribution, studies indicate its capacity to function as an antimicrobial agent and enhance skin penetration by modulating the skin barrier.

Summary

perfuming antimicrobial penetration enhancer skin sensitizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Menthone exerts antimicrobial activity by inducing depolarization of bacterial cell membranes, disrupting their structural integrity, and interfering with cellular lipid homeostasis. As a penetration enhancer, it facilitates the transdermal absorption of other compounds by disorganizing the ordered lipid structures within the stratum corneum and partially extracting these lipids, thereby increasing skin permeability.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated potent inhibitory and killing effects against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) through disruption of membrane potential and lipid profiles.
  2. 02 Shown to enhance the transdermal absorption of various active compounds by altering the lipid organization of the stratum corneum.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Red flag below
0.035%

Despite its recognized potential as a skin sensitizer and irritant, Menthone's pleasant minty fragrance often leads to its inclusion in concentrations that approach or exceed safe thresholds, particularly in leave-on facial products. The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) recommends a maximum acceptable concentration of 0.035% for face and body applications, indicating a very narrow margin for safe use and suggesting its overuse in formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Menthone is a volatile monoterpene known to interconvert with isomenthone. At room temperature, the isomenthone content can reach up to 29%, which may impact the consistent performance and stability of the ingredient over time.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0.035%
Sensitization risk High

Menthone is identified as a skin sensitizer, with a No Expected Sensitization Induction Level (NESIL) of 10000 μg/cm². The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) provides specific maximum acceptable concentrations for finished products, with the lowest being 0.035% for products applied to the face and body. It has been deemed safe regarding genotoxicity, photoirritation, photoallergenicity, and endpoints for repeated dose and reproductive toxicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its intriguing antimicrobial properties and role as a penetration enhancer, Menthone's high irritancy, status as a known skin sensitizer, and extremely low recommended usage limits make it an unfavorable and potentially detrimental ingredient for precision skincare formulations.

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References

Sources