Menthol Crystal, Levomenthol

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Menthol and levomenthol have long been used in toothpaste, cosmetics, cough medicines and lozenges, among many other consumer products. They are widely known for their cooling and soothing properties. Menthol is obtained naturally from peppermint essential oil, while levomenthol is synthesized from other natural sources such as corn mint oil.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced several changes to the use of menthol and its products in recent months. First, the agency announced a ban on all flavored e-cigarettes, including menthol, in an effort to reduce the youth vaping epidemic. This ban led to a sudden increase in demand for menthol-flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.

But the FDA didn’t stop there; they recently released a proposal for a blanket ban on menthol cigarettes. The proposal has the backing of several public health groups, noting that banning menthol could help thousands of people quit smoking because the cigarette flavor is widely believed to mask the pungency of cigarette smoke. The proposal would also ban flavors, including menthol, in cigars in an effort to reduce teen smoking rates.

While the proposal hasn’t yet gone into effect, it’s still a victory for public health advocates who know menthol cigarettes have been aggressively marketed to communities of color. Research shows that menthol cigarettes are disproportionately sold to African-Americans, the LGBTQ+ population, and young adults in general. Under the FDA’s proposal, it is expected to address this type of targeted marketing by helping these vulnerable populations quit smoking or never smoke.

But menthol’s uses aren’t limited to tobacco products. It is increasingly popular in skin care products for its ability to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. More recently, menthol crystals have become a staple in the skincare industry, with multiple companies producing everything from face masks to body scrubs. The crystals dissolve quickly in water and mix with other ingredients to provide superior skin care benefits.

Menthol crystals are also used in balms, salves, and topical creams to soothe sore muscles, joints, and even headaches. Some consumers also use menthol crystals for aromatherapy, whose soothing and calming properties can lead to a relaxing experience.

Overall, menthol and levomenthol have long been used in a variety of consumer products, and their popularity continues to grow. However, the FDA’s new proposal to ban menthol cigarettes has sparked some debate, with some arguing that such a ban would not be effective in reducing smoking. Regardless, it is important to be aware of the latest developments and uses of menthol and levomenthol in order to make an informed decision and take advantage of their benefits.