Tutorials & Recipes

Menthol Lotion

make your own menthol lotion

Menthol lotion is a great therapeutic moisturizer. We have a great selection of lotions and moisturizers to fit every need. Whether you want a spray-and-go lotion or a thick buttery cream, you name it. Here are 3 Variations of a menthol rub. One is a thicker massage cream, another is a solid massage bar, and the final is a lightweight gel. Give each one a try to see what variation suits you best.

DIY Icy-Hot Menthol Lotion 

Aloe-Menthol Rub

  Nothing soothes sore muscles better than a cooling and warming menthol lotion. Its tingling sensation creates a mini massage, perfect for an achy back, knee, or arm. 

  There are a few routes to go when adding menthol to a lotion. Starting at .05% will be lightly minty while creating a slight cooling sensation. However, If you add up to 5% you will get an intense mint scent with an intense cooling and warming sensation, which may irritate sensitive skin. But here are some variations using our different lotion bases.  


Basic Menthol Lotion 

  Here is a recipe for a standard menthol lotion. It uses our A, C & E lotion base that can stand up to the oil that the menthol needs to be dissolved into. For a moderately strong lotion, you will need:


Menthol Massage Bar 

  Use our lotion bar and balm base is ideal for a solid massage bar. For this recipe, you don’t need extra oil to dissolve the menthol. Once the base is melted, simply add in the menthol crystals and stir until they are completely dissolved. Then pour it into your molds.

You will need:


Menthol Massage Gel 

For a lighter massage gel that can be put into a larger roller bottle. It works great for athletes. This recipe utilizes our aloe gel base. This base is lightweight and doesn’t feel tacky after application. Keep in mind, that the aloe gel will turn white when you incorporate the additives.

You will need:

First you must dissolve the crystals into the fractionated coconut oil. Use a one-to-one ratio and it will be easier if you warm up the oil a little bit. Once the menthol crystals are completely dissolved in the oil, mix the oil and Poly 20 together at a one-to-one ratio. Then add it into the aloe gel base. Remember the aloe gel is going to turn white. 


For those who want an intense ready muscle rub

Our Arctic Chill Muscle Rub Base is the perfect solution for those who want a ready-to-go formulation. Our gliding cool gel is perfect for massage therapists, athletes, and massage enthusiasts alike. The blend of menthol and essential oil creates a cooling massage gel.


Keep Menthol Lotion Away From Sensitive Areas Of The Body! 

  When using topical products that contain menthol, remember to keep it away from all sensitive areas of the body. Including the eyes, nose, and other parts. And after applying the menthol lotion to the body, be sure to wash your hands to avoid the transfer of menthol anywhere. Take our word, nothing is worse than rubbing your eyes after handling menthol or a menthol product.

6 comments

  1. Jason DeLuca
    June 4, 2024 at 5:16 AM

    Exactly how do you mix what with what to get a certain % concentration of menthol? For instance, if I want a 10% menthol gel, how much of each ingredient (in grams or milligrams) do I use of each? I get it that 5 grams is 5% of 100 substrate, but all you list are percentages. No weights or volumes are given. When you say .5% menthol, what weight is that? Do I assume all products are 100 grams final? Obviously all your percentages add up to 100%, but what is your actual weight of the final product? .5% is .5 grams if 100 grams is the final goal. But if I have 325 grams total weight of all ingredients, is the .5% 16.25 grams?

    1. Cindy Bell
      June 4, 2024 at 9:46 AM

      Hi Jason,

      The percentage is based on the size of your batch. If your batch is 100 grams, 5% would be 5 grams. If your batch is 100 lbs, 5% would be 5 pounds.

      Hope this helps.

  2. Stacey Baird
    December 27, 2020 at 5:45 AM

    To make Massage Gel what are the % to use ?

    1. admin
      February 23, 2021 at 11:06 AM

      Hi Stacy, this would depend on the intensity of the effect you were after. I would suggest starting at 1% and adjust the menthol percentage by 0.5% until the desired effect is received. You can use our batch calculator to figure your recipes.

  3. Linda Hanley
    June 12, 2020 at 11:43 AM

    I love love your products

    1. genevieve
      June 17, 2020 at 4:17 PM

      Thank you Linda! We appreciate your business.

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