Menthol-Free Muscle Rub: Why People Are Switching (and What to Use Instead)

By Mark from Outback, The Outback Series customer care6 min read

The short answer

Menthol rubs work by switching on the cold-sensing nerves in your skin. The icy tingle is the product doing its job, and it is also why the feeling fades.
People switch because of the smell, sensitive skin, the burn when they wash their hands or shower, or because they simply do not like the sensation.
A menthol-free rub has no menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate or capsaicin on the label. Outback Original Oil is one option: four plant ingredients, nothing that burns or freezes, and it rubs in in about 30 seconds.

How menthol rubs actually work

Most drugstore rubs are called counterirritants. They create a strong feeling on the skin so your brain pays attention to that instead.

Menthol (from mint) switches on the nerve receptors that sense cold. That is the icy feeling.
Camphor adds a cooling, then warming sensation and a strong smell.
Methyl salicylate (wintergreen) creates warmth and gives many rubs their classic locker-room scent.
Capsaicin (from chili peppers) switches on the receptors that sense heat. That is the burn.

None of that is bad. Lots of people like the jolt and it is exactly what they want. But the sensation is the point of the product, so when the tingle fades, many people reach for the tube again.

5 reasons people look for a menthol-free option

The smell. Menthol and wintergreen are strong and they linger. People tell us they skip their rub before church, the office, a doctor's visit or bed because they do not want to smell like it.
Sensitive skin. Some skin gets red, itchy or stings with counterirritants. Every one of these labels tells you to stop if that happens.
The surprise burn. Touch your eyes after applying, or step into a warm shower, and you remember you used it.
The sensation itself. Some people simply do not like feeling hot or cold. They want to rub something in and get on with their day.
Rules you have to remember. Labels on these products warn against using them with a heating pad or under a tight bandage. The FDA has warned about rare but serious skin burns from muscle and joint rubs containing menthol, methyl salicylate or capsaicin.

How to tell if a rub is menthol-free

Turn the box or tube over and read the label. If you see any of these, it is a counterirritant rub:

Menthol
Camphor
Methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil)
Capsaicin or capsicum
Histamine dihydrochloride

A few more things worth checking:

How long is the ingredient list? Short is easier to trust and easier on the nose.
Does it absorb? Some gels and creams leave a film. An oil that fully rubs in will not end up on your clothes or sheets.
Does the scent fade? A light scent that is gone in 10 to 15 minutes is a lot easier to live with.
Try a small spot first. Rub a little on the inside of your forearm and wait a day, especially if your skin tends to react.

What a menthol-free rub feels like (so you are not surprised)

This is the part that trips people up. If you are used to the zing, a menthol-free rub can feel like nothing is happening on day one. There is no ice, no heat and no tingle.

What you do notice: a light massage, an oil that disappears into the skin, and a mild eucalyptus and vanilla scent that fades within minutes. We suggest using it morning and night on the same spot and giving it a full week before you decide.

Mark's tipThe most common mistake I hear about is not massaging it in. Use enough to cover the area and rub it in for a good 30 seconds. After that, wipe away anything still sitting on the skin if you would rather the scent did not linger.

A menthol-free option: Outback Original Oil

Outback Original Oil Roll-On

Four ingredients: Blue Mallee eucalyptus, Australian tea tree, olive oil and vanilla. No menthol, no camphor, no capsaicin, so nothing burns or freezes. Rubs in in about 30 seconds and the scent fades within minutes. Covered by our 365-Day Returnless Refund.

See the roll-on

Want to see every ingredient and where it comes from? Read what is in Outback Original Oil.

When menthol is the right choice

If you like the cooling and warming feeling, there is nothing wrong with wanting it. That is why we also make Outback Pain Relief Cream. It uses natural menthol (16%) and camphor (6%) on top of the same Australian oils, for temporary relief of minor aches and pains. Many customers keep both: the oil for everyday use, the cream for when they want the tingle.

Not sure which fits you? Oil or cream: which Outback is right for me?

Try Outback for a full year

Four Australian plant ingredients, nothing that burns or freezes. Every order is covered by our 365-Day Returnless Refund, ships the same business day when you order by 2pm ET, and ships free on orders of $40 or more.

Shop Outback

Frequently asked questions

Does Outback Original Oil contain menthol?

No. Outback Original Oil has four ingredients: Blue Mallee eucalyptus oil, Australian tea tree oil, olive oil and vanilla. There is no menthol, camphor, capsaicin or methyl salicylate in it.

Does Outback Pain Relief Cream contain menthol?

Yes. The cream uses natural menthol (16%) and camphor (6%) for a cooling and warming feeling. If you want to avoid menthol, choose the oil.

Is menthol bad for your skin?

For most people, menthol rubs are fine when used as the label directs. Some people get redness, itching or stinging. Stop using any rub that irritates your skin, and do not use counterirritant rubs with a heating pad or under a tight bandage.

Why does a menthol-free rub feel like it is not doing anything?

Because there is no hot or cold sensation. Menthol and capsaicin create a feeling on purpose. A menthol-free oil simply rubs in. Give it a week of twice-daily use on the same spot before you judge it.

Will a menthol-free oil stain clothes?

A small amount that is fully rubbed in should not. Let it absorb for about 30 seconds before you get dressed.

More Outback guides

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, sensitive skin or take medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before trying a new topical product. Use any product as its label directs.