They are present in many cosmetics, especially those claiming to be refreshing, invigorating, purifying or relaxing. Isolated or contained in essential oils, these terpenic aromatic compounds are not insignificant, however, and can be responsible for adverse reactions, sometimes serious, especially in young children. And their use must be accompanied by some precautions.
They are part of the large family of terpenoids, organic compounds with powerful aromatic properties. Of natural origin (many of them come from plants), they are traditionally part of the phytotherapeutic medicinal arsenal and have their usefulness in cosmetics, but also some defects.
Camphor
From the camphor tree, an Asian tree of the laurel family, camphor is renowned for its many virtues: stimulating, tonic, analgesic, it also has the ability to stimulate venous circulation and cleanse the respiratory tract.
It is used in cosmetics as such (INCI: Camphor), or through the essential oil of camphor (INCI: Cinnamomum camphora bark oil). It is particularly present in leg products that it helps to lighten, but also in purifying or toning treatments, purifying scalp shampoos or oils and balms dedicated to relaxing massages.
The international nomenclature of cosmetic ingredients also assigns it the function of plasticizer, which means that it can also be found, for example, in nail polishes.
Menthol
It comes mainly from the essential oil of peppermint (INCI: Mentha piperita oil) to which many virtues are attributed: decongesting, draining, anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, stimulating, tonic, analgesic, anesthetic, antispasmodic, hormonal regulator, it is used in cosmetics for its refreshing, toning, astringent, purifying …
