What it is
Menthone Glycerin Acetal is a cooling-sensate ingredient formed by reacting menthone with glycerin to create an acetal. It stimulates the same cold-sensing receptors targeted by menthol but is comparatively low in odor and gives a longer-lasting, milder cooling effect, which makes it useful in sun care, after-sun, and personal care products that aim for a refreshing skin feel. It is valued where formulators want a cooling experience without a pronounced mint fragrance.
Safety & warnings
Cooling sensates can feel tingly or cold and may be perceived as irritating on sensitive or broken skin or near the eyes, though they are generally well tolerated at use levels. It carries far less menthol-type odor than menthol and is not a classified fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; manufactured by acetalization of menthone (itself obtainable from menthol) with glycerin.
Questions everyone asks
What does this ingredient do?
It creates a cooling, refreshing sensation on the skin similar to menthol but with much less minty smell and a longer-lasting effect.
Does it have a strong mint smell?
No. It is chosen specifically because it delivers cooling with little of the pronounced odor associated with menthol.