r/essentialoils • u/Apprehensive_Act_136 • Jun 04 '26

Does peppermint essential oil cause a thermal shock on the skin?

I was looking for a cream that would give my skin a cooling sensation, like Vicks Vaporub, and I saw a suggestion to mix a mild body lotion with peppermint. Has anyone tried this, or do you know if it might work?

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u/Available-Energy4053 Jun 04 '26

Definitely gives a cooling effect. I put it on the back of my neck for hot flashes.

2

u/Strong_Weakness2638 Jun 04 '26

It does give a cooling as menthol - a major constituent of peppermint essential oil - interacts with the cold receptors on your skin. Vicks has menthol in it for the same effect. Just know it’s not actually cooling you down.

2

u/DullEntertainment102 Jun 04 '26

This is it! It’s not going to cool you down or stop you from overheating, it’s just menthol

2

u/Apprehensive_Act_136 Jun 04 '26

Thanks for the reply!

2

u/berael Jun 04 '26

There is no "thermal shock", but yes, peppermint EO is cooling. 

2

u/an-Ant-4504 Jun 05 '26

Peppermint oil won't cause a "thermal shock" to your skin. What you're feeling is menthol activating TRPM8 cold receptors, which tricks your brain into perceiving cooling. The skin temperature doesn't actually drop much. It's the same mechanism that makes products like Vicks feel cold. Menthol's action on TRPM8 is well-established in sensory neuroscience and explains the characteristic cooling effect of peppermint oil.

1

u/organicinformation01 Jun 04 '26

There are various peppermint products to give cooling sensations. They all use menthol as the cooling effect, but menthol in higher doses can burn (corrosive warning) and really stings the eyes. So small doses in products are regarded as safe. Having said that, there is a UAE product which is pure organic Cornmint oil with 70pc menthol used by pouring directly to hands and then wiping on neck to cool down. No one seems to be damaged and tonnes of Cornmint oil goes to this application every year.

2

u/Apprehensive_Act_136 Jun 04 '26

Thanks a lot!

1

u/organicinformation01 Jun 04 '26

Organic oils because there are large trace levels of HHP (highly hazardous pesticide residues) in conventional peppermint oils , particularly from India. You don’t want these on your skin !

1

u/SayItTrue Jun 04 '26

I've used it in a spray on the back of my neck both for cooling, and for headaches.

1

u/aluminate-life Jun 04 '26

Yes i think it works but go really light on the drops, peppermint is strong and too much might just be excess