VeriMomIs menthol safe during pregnancy?
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
menthol
NO KNOWN RISKS93
/100
0
Pregnancy-safe products containing menthol
Men's Botanics
Men's Botanics Dual Action Shave Cream
99/100
Eurofresh
Eurofresh Advanced Care 7 Effect
99/100
La Bouche Rouge Paris
La Bouche Rouge Paris Le Baume Pêche
99/100
Unknown
900 dentifrice arôme menthe extra fraiche
99/100
900.care
Dentifrice arôme menthe extra-fraiche
99/100
By Humankind
By Humankind Toothpaste
99/100
Nouvelle Parfumerie Gandour
WHITE UP
99/100
Deliplus
Enjuague bucal explosion action
98/100
DM
Donto Dent
98/100
Marque Repère
Fraîcheur extrême
98/100
Related ingredients
See also
Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
- Is menthol safe during pregnancy?
- No harmonised reproductive/teratogenic classification or SCCS/CIR red flag for menthol; CIR/peppermint re-reviews treat menthol as acceptable in cosmetics when used within limits. Topical menthol is absorbed at low but measurable levels (soluble in ethanol/oils), so exposure for pregnant people from topical cosmetic use is low but non‑zero. (CIR; ECHA substance info; PubChem).
- Is menthol safe while breastfeeding?
- There is experimental evidence that menthol (from peppermint) suppresses milk production in vitro and in vivo in animal models and mammary epithelial cells, indicating a suspected effect on lactation (animal data) and a demonstrated cellular mechanism; no harmonised H360/H361 classification exists for menthol, so this meets 'suspected' (h=2) rather than 'confirmed'. Systemic exposure from topical use is low but measurable. (PubMed; CIR; ECHA).
- Is menthol safe for baby skin?
- No infant-specific developmental/teratogenic data indicate harm from dermal menthol; CIR reviews consider menthol safe in cosmetics at appropriate concentrations though it is a known skin/mucous membrane irritant and can sensitize some individuals. Because infant skin has higher absorption, exposure score is increased by +1 versus adults when menthol is present and absorption is measurable. (CIR; ECHA; PubChem).
- How does VeriMom score menthol?
- VeriMom scores menthol at 93/100 (no known risks) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.
- What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to menthol?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to menthol based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
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Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.