Evaluation of the Comfortable Cooling Sensation for the Development of Body Care Products

Abstract

Menthol is frequently formulated in cooling products as a cooling agent. Menthol elicits a cooling sensation improving thermal comfort. However, high concentration of menthol is known to induce unpleasantness stimulation such as burning sensation. Therefore, to find more comfortable concentration of menthol, we established method to evaluate cooling sensation using neck area of sensitive volunteers. By using this method, we found the sex difference in menthol sensitivity of the subjects, and positive effects of sweating on cooling sensation. Moreover, we discovered the mentholinduced sensory irritation was inhibited by concomitant application of 1,8-cineole, by using Ca²⁺-imaging method focusing on TRP channels.