Menthone (CAS: 10458-14-7) is a naturally occurring monoterpene ketone with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₈O and a molecular weight of 154.25 g/mol. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic fresh, green, minty, herbal, dry, and woody aroma. The compound exists as a mixture of diastereomers, predominantly as a 2:1 ratio of (−)-menthone and (+)-isomenthone. Key physical properties include a density of 0.896 g/mL at 20°C, a boiling point of 85-88°C at 12 mmHg, a flash point of 69°C, and a refractive index of approximately 1.450.
Menthone is a key constituent of essential oils from various Mentha species, particularly peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and spearmint, where it serves as a major volatile component alongside menthol. Its crisp, cooling, and invigorating mint character, coupled with a slightly herbal undertone, makes it a valuable ingredient across multiple industries. Menthone is widely used as a flavoring agent (FEMA 2667, JECFA 429), a fragrance component, a cooling agent, and a bioactive compound with diverse biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties. Market demand is closely linked to the global flavor, fragrance, oral care, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The global Menthone market was valued at approximately USD 152 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 268 million by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. Based on its chemical characteristics and industrial chain position, this article systematically analyzes international market dynamics of Menthone, focusing on core application scenarios, competitive landscape, regional differences, regulatory trends, and future outlook, providing strategic references for industry participants.
Core Application Fields and Demand
Market demand for Menthone is concentrated in four major sectors: flavors and food applications (≈35-40% of global consumption), fragrances and personal care (≈25-30%), oral care and pharmaceuticals (≈15-20%), and cosmetics, agriculture & industrial applications (≈10-15%).
In the flavors and food applications sector, Menthone is a widely used flavoring agent, listed with FEMA number 2667 and JECFA number 429. It is employed as a flavoring substance in liqueurs, herbal and bitter liqueurs, and a variety of food products. It functions as a primary flavor agent or harmonizer in water-soluble or oil-soluble peppermint flavor formulations. Menthone is a key component in fruit flavors such as raspberry, where it enhances freshness and reduces excessive sweetness. Its refreshing, cooling mint character makes it an essential ingredient in chewing gums, candies, mints, ice cream, baked goods, and beverages. The compound is also used as a flavor enhancer in pharmaceutical preparations to mask unpleasant tastes. The compound has been evaluated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which concluded that there is no safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavoring agent.
In the fragrances and personal care sector, Menthone is a valuable fragrance ingredient, delivering an invigorating burst of crisp, cooling mint with a slightly herbal undertone. It functions as a green top-middle note in fragrance compositions, adding freshness and diffusive minty character. It is used extensively in fine fragrances, perfumes, decorative cosmetics, shampoos, shower gels, body washes, and soaps to add complexity and depth to mint and herbal compositions. Menthone is also employed in household products such as air fresheners, detergents, and household cleaners, where its refreshing aroma enhances the sensory experience of the product. At 10.00% in dipropylene glycol, it is commonly used as a fragrance agent.
In the oral care and pharmaceuticals sector, Menthone is a key ingredient in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental preparations, providing a clean, refreshing sensation and effectively treating oral malodor. It is widely used as a cooling agent, counterirritant for pain relief, and for the treatment of pruritus. Menthone is also used in cough drops, lozenges, and topical analgesic formulations. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is one of the key active components of Danshu capsule (DSC). The compound exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB). It also demonstrates antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.
In the cosmetics, agriculture & industrial applications sector, Menthone is used in skincare and cosmetic products as a permeation enhancer, significantly improving the skin permeability of active ingredients. In agriculture, menthone has demonstrated insecticidal activity against Culex molestus larvae (LC₅₀ = 156 mg/L) and antibacterial activity against tea tree pathogenic bacteria. It also serves as an analytical reference standard for the quantification of the analyte in food, pharmaceutical products, serum samples, and Menthae Herba using chromatography techniques. As a chemical intermediate, menthone is used in the preparation of menthol, menthyl esters, and other derivatives.
Major Market Participants
The global supply system for Menthone follows a pattern of specialized fragrance ingredient manufacturers, essential oil producers, and fine chemical companies, with production concentrated in Asia, North America, and Europe. The compound is generally supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with purity typically ranging from 95% to ≥98% (verified by GC analysis). It is available in natural, nature-identical, and synthetic grades to meet diverse application requirements.
Major international suppliers and manufacturers include specialized chemical and fragrance ingredient companies that offer Menthone with detailed characterization data compliant with regulatory guidelines for flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical applications. The compound is available in research quantities (1g, 5g, 10g, 25g, 100g, 500g) and industrial bulk scales (1kg, 5kg, 25kg, and larger). Analytical standards and reference materials are also available for QC and method validation purposes.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has established a reliable, quality-controlled supply chain for high-purity Menthone (CAS 10458-14-7). Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent purity (≥98%) with low impurity profiles, fully complying with global flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical standards. It is available in food grade (FEMA 2667 compliant), fragrance grade (for perfumery and personal care), and pharmaceutical grade (for oral care and bioactive applications). XinChem offers flexible packaging options ranging from research quantities to bulk industrial packaging, with batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COA) and full characterization data ensuring complete traceability and regulatory compliance.
Regional Market Dynamics
Global demand for Menthone shows regional differentiation: “Asia-Pacific dominates production, North America and Europe lead in high-purity flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical applications, and Latin America and Middle East & Africa are emerging growth markets”.
The global Menthone market is the subject of comprehensive industry research, with reports covering market drivers, challenges, supply/demand dynamics, regional overviews (Europe, Asia, North America, etc.), and detailed market predictions. The market is projected to grow from USD 693.4 million in 2025 to USD 1,200 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 5.6%.
Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, is the world’s largest producer and fastest-growing region for Menthone, where abundant natural sources of mint essential oils and well-established extraction and synthesis capabilities provide a strong manufacturing base. Chinese manufacturers, including XinChem, offer competitive pricing at scales ranging from research quantities to industrial batches, serving both domestic demand for flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical intermediates and exports to global markets. The region’s expanding food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries continue to drive demand for high-purity Menthone.
North America (United States and Canada) and Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands) together account for the largest share of high-purity pharmaceutical, flavor, and fragrance consumption (≥99%), driven by the highest concentration of food and beverage manufacturers, flavor houses, pharmaceutical companies, and academic research institutions. Customer requirements in these regions are stringent: purity ≥98%, full traceability, compliance with FEMA, JECFA, IFRA, and REACH regulations, and comprehensive impurity documentation.
Japan and South Korea demand ultra-high-purity grades for advanced flavor development, pharmaceutical research, and high-performance cosmetic applications.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
Menthone (CAS 10458-14-7) is subject to regulatory oversight in major economies, particularly when intended for food, flavor, fragrance, and cosmetic applications. The compound has an EINECS number of 233-944-7 and an FEMA number of 2667.
In the United States, Menthone is listed in the FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS) database as a flavoring agent. It has been evaluated by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) and assigned FEMA number 2667, confirming its GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. It has also been evaluated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and assigned JECFA number 429, which concluded that there is no safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavoring agent.
In the European Union, Menthone is registered under REACH (EC Number 233-944-7) and is listed with FLAVIS number 07.059 as a flavouring substance. It is approved for use in fragrance and cosmetic applications subject to IFRA guidelines. Importers and manufacturers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
In China, Menthone is listed in the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (IECSC) and is permitted as a food additive and cosmetic ingredient under GB standards. Manufacturers must comply with national quality and safety regulations.
Recommended storage conditions: store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protected from light, heat, and moisture. The compound is stable under recommended storage conditions. Personal protective equipment (PPE) — including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate laboratory attire — is recommended during handling. The compound should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents and strong acids.
Future Outlook
The market outlook for Menthone is tied to four core drivers: (1) sustained growth in global demand for natural and nature-identical mint flavorings in the food and beverage industry, driven by consumer preference for authentic, refreshing mint flavors; (2) increasing adoption of Menthone as a cooling and refreshing fragrance ingredient in personal care, oral care, and household products; (3) expanding research into the biological activities of monoterpenes, where Menthone serves as a key bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications; and (4) growing demand for analytical reference standards in pharmaceutical quality control, food safety testing, and method validation applications. The global Menthone market is projected to grow from USD 152 million in 2024 to USD 268 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 7.4%. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to maintain its dominant position in both production and consumption.
Challenges include: raw material cost volatility for mint essential oils and synthetic precursors, competition from alternative cooling agents and mint flavor compounds, and the need for continued investment in high-purity production and quality control. Enterprises should focus on securing high-purity (≥98%) production capabilities, maintaining rigorous impurity documentation for global regulatory filings, ensuring compliance with FEMA, JECFA, IFRA, and REACH requirements, and building long-term supply partnerships with flavor houses, fragrance manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and oral care product developers.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)
As a world-leading supplier of flavor and fragrance ingredients, natural aroma compounds, and specialty chemicals, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the flavor, fragrance, oral care, and pharmaceutical industries. Relying on core advantages in sourcing, quality assurance, and global logistics, we provide high-quality Menthone (CAS 10458-14-7) to global customers. Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent specifications for food, fragrance, and pharmaceutical grades. Fully compliant with FEMA 2667, JECFA 429, IFRA, and international quality standards, it is an ideal cooling and refreshing flavoring agent, fragrance component, and bioactive ingredient for mint flavor formulations, fragrance compositions, oral care products, personal care formulations, and pharmaceutical applications.
1. Technical Advantages
High Purity & Consistency: Our Menthone achieves purity levels of ≥98% (verified by GC analysis), supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, molecular weight 154.25 g/mol, molecular formula C₁₀H₁₈O, density 0.896 g/mL at 20°C, boiling point 85-88°C at 12 mmHg, flash point 69°C.
Low Impurity Profile: Strict control of residual solvents, heavy metals, and related substances ensures high performance for flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical applications.
Multiple Grades Available: We offer food grade (FEMA 2667 compliant), fragrance grade (for perfumery and personal care), and pharmaceutical grade (for oral care and bioactive applications).
Batch-to-Batch Uniformity: Rigorous analytical testing (GC, GC-MS, density, refractive index) guarantees a consistent olfactory profile and reproducible quality across all production lots.
2. Product Advantages
Versatile Mint Flavor & Fragrance Compound: Directly used in flavor formulations (chewing gums, candies, mints, beverages, baked goods, ice cream, liqueurs), fragrance compositions (fine fragrances, decorative cosmetics, shampoos, body washes, soaps, air fresheners), oral care products (toothpastes, mouthwashes, dental preparations), pharmaceutical formulations (cooling agent, counterirritant, cough drops, topical analgesics), cosmetics (permeation enhancer, skincare), and agricultural applications (insecticidal, antimicrobial).
Refreshing Cooling Mint Profile: Delivers a crisp, cooling, invigorating mint character with a slightly herbal undertone, providing excellent diffusive lift and freshness.
Proven Regulatory Acceptance: FEMA 2667 GRAS, JECFA 429, IFRA compliant, FDA EAFUS listed.
Flexible Packaging: 1g, 5g, 10g, 25g, 100g, 500g (R&D); 1kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg HDPE drums/steel drums (industrial); full custom packaging available.
Reliable Supply Chain: Annual capacity in the multi-ton range, with dedicated temperature-controlled warehousing (cool, dry, light-protected, sealed containers) and just-in-time delivery capabilities.
3. Application Fields
- Flavors & Food Applications: Flavoring agent (FEMA 2667) for chewing gum, confectionery, mints, ice cream, baked goods, beverages, liqueurs, and flavor formulations.
- Fragrances & Personal Care: Fragrance component for fine fragrances, decorative cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos, body washes, soaps, toiletries, and air fresheners.
- Oral Care: Toothpastes, mouthwashes, dental preparations, and oral hygiene products for refreshing sensation and malodor treatment.
- Pharmaceuticals: Cooling agent, counterirritant for pain relief, pruritus treatment, cough drops, topical analgesics, and traditional Chinese medicine formulations.
- Cosmetics: Permeation enhancer for skincare products, moisturizing and whitening compositions.
- Agriculture & Industrial: Insecticidal agent, antimicrobial agent, plant disease control, analytical reference standard for chromatography.
4. Service Support
Our technical team provides olfactory profiling guidance, flavor formulation recommendations, stability testing, impurity profiling, and regulatory documentation (Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, FEMA compliance, JECFA compliance, IFRA compliance, REACH compliance, TSCA certification). We offer custom packaging and just-in-time delivery.
5. Why Choose XinChem
- Professionalism: 20+ years in the flavor, fragrance, and specialty chemical industries.
- Flexibility: Tailored to customer purity specifications, grade requirements, packaging sizes, and regulatory documentation needs.
- Cost-effectiveness: High quality at competitive industrial pricing.
Contact us now to start cooperation!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Aug-15-2026