{
  "@type": "Article",
  "type": "knowledge",
  "title": "What do menthol and camphor do in a balm?",
  "url": "https://helsama.se/en/kunskap/mentol-kamfer-i-balsam/",
  "language": "en",
  "summary": "Menthol gives a cooling sensation, camphor a warming one — together they create the balm's characteristic experience during massage. Here we explain the sensory effect and what to keep in mind about safety.",
  "answer": "Short answer:",
  "author": {
    "name": "Daniel Johansson",
    "url": "https://helsama.se/forfattare/daniel",
    "jobTitle": "Grundare, Helsama OÜ"
  },
  "publisher": {
    "name": "Helsama OÜ",
    "url": "https://helsama.se"
  },
  "published_date": "2026-06-13T07:25:38.8139+00:00",
  "modified_date": "2026-07-12T08:08:19.523661+00:00",
  "category": "kannavalley",
  "image": "https://rajqtzgkxymypdinmmgj.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/knowledge-images/mentol-kamfer-i-balsam.png",
  "video": null,
  "markdown_url": "https://helsama.se/en/kunskap/mentol-kamfer-i-balsam.md",
  "faq": [
    {
      "question": "Do menthol and camphor relieve aches?",
      "answer": "In a cosmetic product we only describe the cooling and warming sensation respectively, not medical effects. For medical needs, turn to a pharmacy or healthcare professional."
    },
    {
      "question": "Why does the balm feel cold and then warm?",
      "answer": "Menthol activates cold receptors (coolness), while camphor gives a feeling of warmth — together they create that shift."
    },
    {
      "question": "Are menthol and camphor natural?",
      "answer": "Menthol is extracted from mint; camphor occurs naturally and can also be made synthetically. Both are common, regulated cosmetic ingredients."
    },
    {
      "question": "What are they called on the INCI list?",
      "answer": "Menthol and Camphor. [How to read an INCI list](/en/kunskap/lasa-inci-lista-naturlig-hudvard)."
    }
  ],
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    {
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      "url": "https://helsama.se/en/kunskap/vad-ar-peptider-i-hudvard/"
    },
    {
      "title": "Vad är arnika i hudvård?",
      "url": "https://helsama.se/en/kunskap/vad-ar-arnika-i-hudvard/"
    },
    {
      "title": "Så läser du en INCI-lista på naturlig hudvård",
      "url": "https://helsama.se/en/kunskap/lasa-inci-lista-naturlig-hudvard/"
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  ],
  "content_markdown": "**Short answer:** Menthol and camphor are used in a massage balm for their **sensory feel**: menthol gives an immediate cooling sensation, camphor a warming one. It is an experience on the skin's surface — in a cosmetic product we describe the cooling and warming sensation, not any medical effects.\n\n## Menthol — the cooling sensation\n\nMenthol (INCI: *Menthol*) originally comes from mint. It activates the skin's cold receptors, which gives a cooling, refreshing sensation without the skin actually becoming colder. That is why balms often feel \"fresh\" right at application.\n\n## Camphor — the warming sensation\n\nCamphor (INCI: *Camphor*) contributes a mild, pleasant feeling of warmth that grows during the massage. Combined with menthol, it creates the balm's typical arc: a coolness that turns into warmth.\n\n## Why are they combined in a massage balm?\n\nThe contrast between cool and warmth makes the massage moment more noticeable and relaxing as a ritual. In our [CBD Balm](/en/blog/natural-beauty-kannavalley-hudvard), menthol and camphor complement a nourishing base of shea butter and oils, made for slow circular massage.\n\n## Safety\n\n- Use as directed — menthol and camphor have concentration limits in cosmetics.\n\n- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.\n\n- Do not use on small children.\n\n- Apply to intact, clean skin.\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n### Do menthol and camphor relieve aches?\n\nIn a cosmetic product we only describe the cooling and warming sensation respectively, not medical effects. For medical needs, turn to a pharmacy or healthcare professional.\n\n### Why does the balm feel cold and then warm?\n\nMenthol activates cold receptors (coolness), while camphor gives a feeling of warmth — together they create that shift.\n\n### Are menthol and camphor natural?\n\nMenthol is extracted from mint; camphor occurs naturally and can also be made synthetically. Both are common, regulated cosmetic ingredients.\n\n### What are they called on the INCI list?\n\nMenthol and Camphor. [How to read an INCI list](/en/kunskap/lasa-inci-lista-naturlig-hudvard).\n\n## Sources\n\n- [CosIng — Menthol & Camphor](https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/)\n\n- [SCCS — scientific opinions on cosmetic ingredients](https://health.ec.europa.eu/scientific-committees/scientific-committee-consumer-safety-sccs_en)\n\n- [Swedish Medical Products Agency — Cosmetics](https://www.lakemedelsverket.se/en/cosmetics)"
}