Menthol Vs. Camphor
Menthol and camphor are two of the most common actives in topical pain-relief products, including Arctic Blast. Here's how they differ.
Menthol
Menthol activates cold-sensitive nerve receptors, creating a cooling sensation and a mild analgesic effect. It's the most researched cooling active in topical pain relief, found in everything from OTC creams to Arctic Blast.
Camphor
Camphor is generally recognized as safe by the FDA in topical products and has traditionally been used for muscle and joint discomfort. Its evidence base is smaller than menthol's.
Why Products Combine Them
Menthol and camphor are often paired because their cooling and warming sensations work together, creating a more noticeable overall sensory effect than either alone.
What They Don't Do
Neither ingredient heals underlying tissue damage or treats arthritis as a disease. Both provide temporary, sensory relief — a distraction from discomfort, not a cure.
Curious about the rest of the formula? See the full ingredient breakdown.
