# What do menthol and camphor do in a balm?

> 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.

**Källa:** https://helsama.se/en/kunskap/mentol-kamfer-i-balsam/

**Kategori:** kannavalley · **Publicerad:** 2026-06-13 · **Uppdaterad:** 2026-07-12

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**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.

## Menthol — the cooling sensation

Menthol (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.

## Camphor — the warming sensation

Camphor (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.

## Why are they combined in a massage balm?

The 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.

## Safety

- Use as directed — menthol and camphor have concentration limits in cosmetics.

- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

- Do not use on small children.

- Apply to intact, clean skin.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do menthol and camphor relieve aches?

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.

### Why does the balm feel cold and then warm?

Menthol activates cold receptors (coolness), while camphor gives a feeling of warmth — together they create that shift.

### Are menthol and camphor natural?

Menthol is extracted from mint; camphor occurs naturally and can also be made synthetically. Both are common, regulated cosmetic ingredients.

### What are they called on the INCI list?

Menthol and Camphor. [How to read an INCI list](/en/kunskap/lasa-inci-lista-naturlig-hudvard).

## Sources

- [CosIng — Menthol & Camphor](https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/)

- [SCCS — scientific opinions on cosmetic ingredients](https://health.ec.europa.eu/scientific-committees/scientific-committee-consumer-safety-sccs_en)

- [Swedish Medical Products Agency — Cosmetics](https://www.lakemedelsverket.se/en/cosmetics)


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*Helsama OÜ — högkvalitativa hampaprodukter. https://helsama.se/en/kunskap/mentol-kamfer-i-balsam/*