Camphor vs. Menthol — What's the Difference?

Known for its strong aroma and flammability.

A compound with a cooling, minty effect.

A waxy substance used in medical and religious contexts.

Found in culinary and personal care products.

Can be dangerous if ingested due to its toxicity.

Provides a cooling sensation without a strong scent.

Has therapeutic properties like relieving congestion.

Extracted from mint or synthesized in laboratories.

Utilized in manufacturing for its chemical properties.

Used to soothe minor throat irritation and aches.

Camphor () is a waxy, flammable, transparent solid with a strong aroma. It is a terpenoid with the chemical formula C10H16O. It is found in the wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), a large evergreen tree found in East Asia; and in the related kapur tree (Dryobalanops sp.), a tall timber tree from South East Asia.

Menthol is an organic compound made synthetically or obtained from the oils of corn mint, peppermint, or other mints. It is a waxy, crystalline substance, clear or white in color, which is solid at room temperature and melts slightly above.

A fragrant white or colorless crystalline ketone, C10H16O, obtained naturally from the wood of the camphor tree or synthesized from pinene and used as an insect repellent, in the manufacture of film, plastics, lacquers, and in medicine chiefly in external preparations to relieve mild pain and itching.

A crystalline alcohol with a minty taste and odour, found in peppermint and other natural oils. It is used as a flavouring and in decongestants and analgesics.

A resin obtained from the camphor tree; used in making celluloid and liniment

A fragrant white crystalline organic compound, C10H20O, obtained from peppermint oil or synthesized. It is used in perfumes, in cigarettes, as a mild topical anesthetic, and as a mint flavoring.

(organic compound) A white transparent waxy crystalline isoprenoid ketone, 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, with a strong pungent odour, used in pharmacy.

(chemistry) a cyclic monoterpene alcohol; the major component of the essential oil of peppermint; used in pharmaceutical preparations as an antitussive and antipruritic agent, as a nasal decongestant, and in menthol cigarettes

A tough, white, aromatic resin, or gum, obtained from different species of the Laurus family, esp. from Cinnamomum camphara (the Laurus camphora of Linnæus.). Camphor, C10H16O, is volatile and fragrant, and is used in medicine as a diaphoretic, a stimulant, or sedative.

A menthol cigarette.

Originally, a gum resembling ordinary camphor, obtained from a tree (Dryobalanops aromatica formerly Dryobalanops camphora) growing in Sumatra and Borneo; now applied to its main constituent, a terpene alcohol obtainable as a white solid C10H18O, called also Borneo camphor, Malay camphor, Malayan camphor, camphor of Borneo, Sumatra camphor, bornyl alcohol, camphol, and borneol. The isomer from Dryobalanops is dextrorotatory; the levoratatory form is obtainable from other species of plants, and the racemic mixture may be obtained by reduction of camphor. It is used in perfumery, and for manufacture of its esters. See Borneol.

A white, crystalline, aromatic substance (C10H20O) resembling camphor, extracted from oil of peppermint (Mentha); - called also mint camphor or peppermint camphor. It has the peculiar effect on skin and membranes of making them feel cool, and is used in liqueurs, confections, cigarettes, cough drops and perfumes, among other things.

To impregnate or wash with camphor; to camphorate.

A lotion containing menthol which gives it a mint flavoring

The main difference lies in their scent and origin: camphor has a strong aroma and comes from camphor trees, while menthol offers a cooling, minty scent and is derived from mint oils or synthesized.

They activate TRPM8 receptors, responsible for the cooling sensation, which can help relieve discomfort from pain, itching, or congestion when applied topically.

Both compounds are toxic if ingested in large quantities, potentially leading to serious health issues, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or even seizures.

Yes, their distinct aromas can be used in aromatherapy; camphor for its penetrating scent and menthol for its refreshing, cooling properties.

The primary concern is overharvesting of natural sources; sustainable practices and synthetic alternatives can help mitigate environmental impact.

Yes, both are used in topical analgesics for pain relief, but they work differently: camphor acts as a counterirritant, whereas menthol provides a cooling sensation to soothe pain.

Use as directed, especially avoiding ingestion and applying only to external areas as excessive use can lead to adverse effects.

While generally safe, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or sensitivity to camphor or menthol, resulting in skin irritation or other symptoms.

No, while they are common in medical applications, they also have various uses in items like moth repellents, fireworks, toothpaste, and flavorings in food and personal care products.

Both forms of menthol have similar effects; the choice between natural and synthesized depends on the product's intended use and manufacturing considerations.

They cause a cooling sensation and can slightly numb the skin's surface, which is why they're used to relieve various skin and muscle discomforts.

Yes, many products, especially topical analgesics and vapor rubs, contain both compounds to utilize their combined therapeutic effects.

Research continues to explore their potential therapeutic effects, safety profiles, and new applications in medicine, cosmetics, and other fields.

They should be stored in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children, to prevent accidental ingestion and to maintain their efficacy.

Their uses have expanded from traditional medicinal and religious applications to include a wide range of consumer products, leveraging their sensory and therapeutic properties.