These organic menthol crystals are fair trade certified. These carefully crafted crystals are a 100% natural product that originate from cornmint (Mentha arvensis) essential oil extraction. Menthol is the solid constituent of oil of mint, to which the characteristic odor is due. Menthol is obtained by subjecting the distilled oil to a temperature of -22ºC by aid of a freezing mixture; the menthol crystallizes out in satiny crystals. They dissolve readily into alcohol or essential oils, and they can be dissolved into water or oil at their melting point of 111.2ºF. Menthol crystals are cooling, refreshing, and have a pleasantly strong minty aroma. They are often used in cosmetics, salves, balms, medicated creams, throat lozenges, toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, foot sprays, pain relief, shampoos, conditioners, linaments, shaving creams, oral or throat sprays, compresses, medicated oils, and cooling gels. Since menthol crystals are so concentrated, only a very small amount is needed within products.
