This section focuses on an overview of menthol crystals as well as their manufacturing processes and uses. Also, please check out the introduction to menthol manufacturers, supply chain issues, menthol suppliers, and menthol prices. Sinofi can help you buy high-quality menthol crystals in bulk for your industry applications at wholesale prices based on FEMA 2665 and CAS 2216-51-5 (L-Menthol) and 89-78-1(DL-Menthol).
Table of Contents
What is Menthol?
Menthol is a remarkable organic compound that occurs naturally in peppermint and other mint plants. Menthol crystals are characterized by their pure, crystalline form and strong cooling properties. The menthol crystals play a crucial role in various industries, from food to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Natural menthol is extracted from Mentha arvensis (corn mint) and other mint species. Food-grade menthol is commonly used in e-cigarette liquids; however, it exhibits a slightly bitter taste. In contrast, widely utilized cooling agents such as WS-23 and WS-3 are free from this bitterness, making them more favorable in sensory performance. Menthol has the molecular formula C₁₀H₂₀O and belongs to a class of compounds called terpenes. It exists in several forms, with L-menthol being the most common naturally occurring isomer and the one responsible for the characteristic cooling sensation. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), menthol is approved to be used in food and flavoring. Menthol has also been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, ECHACHEM, EUR-LEX, WHO, and RIFM.
CAS No.: 89-78-1 and 2216-51-5
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS numbers of DL-Menthol and L-Menthol are 89-78-1 and 2216-51-5, respectively.
Chemical Formula: C10H20O
Molecular Weight: 156.27 g/mol
EFSA: Menthol
According to the EFSA Journal, the European Food Safety Authority was requested to evaluate 21 flavoring substances in the Flavoring Group Evaluation 9, Revision 4, using the Procedure in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000. DL-Menthol was not considered toxic or carcinogenic.
FEMA Number: 2665
According to The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States (FEMA), menthol’s FEMA number is 2665. Menthol is included in FEMA Gras Lists.
Menthol Crystals Odor
Cooling mentholic minty (at 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol).
Bulk Menthol Manufacturers
The global menthol production capacity is dominated by large manufacturers in Germany, Japan, China, and India, with a clear division between synthetic and natural menthol methods. Total production capacity stands at approximately 50,000 metric tons annually, with significant expansion plans in progress. Large menthol manufacturers like BASF have significant manufacturing facilities for menthol crystals in multiple countries. BASF has developed proprietary technology for manufacturing high-quality synthetic menthol. Their production facilities in Germany supply menthol to the food, flavoring, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries worldwide. The company’s synthetic menthol matches natural menthol in quality while offering more consistent supply and pricing. As demand grows across various sectors, menthol manufacturers are adapting to meet market needs while addressing environmental concerns and maintaining high-quality standards.
Key trends in production include:
- Increasing automation and efficiency.
- Focus on sustainability.
- Quality improvement initiatives.
- Capacity expansion in Asia.
- Technology advancement in synthetic production.
Sinofi is a bulk menthol manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of menthol crystals. We supply high-quality menthol at bulk prices for our clients around the world.
Manufacturing Process of Menthol Crystals
The commercial production method of menthol crystals typically follows these main routes:
Natural Extraction Method (mainly L-Menthol)
Cultivation and Harvesting
- Growing Mentha arvensis
- Harvesting at optimal oil content
- Drying and processing plant material
Oil Extraction
- Steam distillation of mint leaves
- Separation of mint oil
- Crude menthol isolation
Crystallization
- Cooling and crystallization
- Filtration
- Purification
Final Processing
- Recrystallization
- Drying
- Quality control
Synthetic Manufacturing Method (DL-Menthol and L-Menthol)
Raw Material Preparation
- Thymol or myrcene sourcing
- Chemical precursor preparation
- Quality control
Chemical Synthesis
- Hydrogenation
- Isomerization
- Purification
Crystallization
- Controlled cooling
- Crystal formation
- Separation
Final Processing
- Purification
- Quality testing
- Packaging
The future of menthol manufacturing lies in the balance between synthetic and natural production methods, with successful companies likely to be those that can adapt to changing market demands while maintaining sustainable practices and high-quality standards.
Bulk Menthol Suppliers
The global menthol supply continues to be dominated by large menthol suppliers who have invested in both natural and synthetic production capabilities. Traditional natural menthol suppliers, particularly from India and China, maintain a significant market share. Synthetic menthol suppliers from Germany, Japan, and China have gained prominence through technological innovation and consistent quality. The industry’s future appears robust, with growing menthol demand across multiple sectors driving continued investment in production capacity and sustainable practices.
Key menthol suppliers play crucial roles in:
- Quality assurance.
- Distribution efficiency.
- Technical support.
- Regulatory compliance.
- Market development.
Sinofi is a bulk menthol supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality menthol crystals. We supply different grades of menthol at wholesale prices to the food, flavoring, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries worldwide.
Supply Chain of Menthol
The menthol supply chain continues to evolve with leading companies investing in innovation, sustainability, and quality control. Success in managing this complex supply chain requires understanding and addressing challenges at each stage while maintaining a focus on quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
Raw Material Sources
- Mint farming regions (India, China)
- Chemical precursor manufacturers
- Agricultural suppliers
Production
- Manufacturing facilities
- Quality control
- Storage and handling
Distribution
- Global logistics networks
- Regional warehousing
- Transportation systems
End Users
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Food manufacturers
- Cosmetic producers
- Industrial users
The global menthol market continues to grow steadily, driven by increasing demand from the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and personal care industries.
Wholesale and Buy Menthol Crystals in Bulk
The wholesale menthol market represents a significant segment of the global flavor and fragrance industry. Successful purchasing of menthol crystals wholesale requires a comprehensive understanding of the quality specifications, market dynamics, and supplier capabilities. Menthol buyers must balance multiple factors, including price, quality, reliability, and sustainability, while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations and standards. A systematic approach to supplier selection, contract negotiation, and quality management, combined with strong market intelligence, will help ensure successful procurement outcomes in this complex market. Menthol buyers should carefully evaluate suppliers based on their specific needs, quality requirements, and volume demands to establish stable and beneficial supply relationships.
As a bulk menthol manufacturer and supplier in China, we supply high-quality menthol crystals to large food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics manufacturers and flavoring companies worldwide. We also wholesale menthol crystals to small customers. Normally, they want to buy menthol crystals in small quantities. To serve them, we can wholesale menthol at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Menthol Prices (USD/Kg)
DL-Menthol Crystals Price
(CAS 89-78-1, FCC, Purity>=99.5%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 13 USD | Express |
| 500g | 45USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 62 USD /Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 20% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
L-Menthol Crystals Price
(CAS 2216-51-5, FCC, Purity>=99.5%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 16 USD | Express |
| 500g | 50 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 70 USD /Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 20% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
The price difference between L-Menthol and DL-Menthol reflects their distinct production methods, applications, and market demands. L-Menthol generally commands higher prices due to its natural source, higher purity requirements, and preferred status in pharmaceutical and premium applications. DL-Menthol, while more economical, serves different market segments where the natural sources and the highest purity are not critical requirements. Understanding these menthol price dynamics is crucial for buyers in making informed purchasing decisions and developing effective procurement strategies. Regular market monitoring of menthol and relationship building with reliable suppliers remain key to optimizing menthol purchasing in this dynamic market.
Furthermore, the above menthol price quotations, especially for small orders, do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost of menthol may exceed the value of the sample. But the bulk wholesale menthol prices will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Menthol Uses
Menthol crystals are widely used in various industries:
Food and Beverage
- Flavoring agent
- Cooling effect
- Confectionery
- Chewing gum
- Beverages
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Topical analgesics
- Decongestants
- Cough medicines
- Oral care products
- Anti-itch medications
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Shampoos
- Lotions
- Lip balms
Industrial Applications
- Agricultural products
- Technical applications
- Chemical synthesis
- Research purposes
Menthol Benefits
The primary benefits of using menthol crystals include:
Therapeutic Benefits
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Decongestant effects
- Cooling sensation
- Antimicrobial properties
Technical Benefits
- High purity
- Consistent quality
- Good stability
- Multiple formulation options
- Effective in small quantities
Menthol Used in E-Cigarettes
A Myrtle Flavor for E-Cigarette Liquid – Formulation by Weight
Ingredients: α-Pinene, 12%; β-Pinene, 1%; α-Myrcene, 1%; Geraniol, 4%; p-Cymene, 4%; DL-Menthol, 4%; D-Limonene, 40%; Citral, 2%; Borneol, 2.5%; Caryophyllene, 6%; Eugenol, 2%; Eucalyptol, rest to 100%.
In conclusion, menthol crystals remain a crucial ingredient in various industries, particularly in pharmaceutical, food, and personal care applications. The market shows steady growth with increasing demand for natural and synthetic types. The future outlook is positive, with ongoing developments in production technology and new applications continuing to emerge. As a bulk menthol manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell L and DL menthol at wholesale prices to large manufacturers and small customers worldwide.