Take a look at our articles, where we discuss the following topics, among others:
What are menthol crystals?
How menthol as a 100% natural raw material brings a cooling and refreshing effect to the sauna. There are many names, for some it is sauna scent, sauna ice or menthol crystal.
The benefits of menthol in the sauna:
Read how menthol opens the airways and brings relief from the flu during a sauna.
The versatile use of menthol crystals:
Menthol is not limited to the sauna - read more about the use of menthol crystals in e.g. foot baths and steam breathing.
Sauna and well-being:
How saunas and Sauna Menthol products support comprehensive well-being and relaxation.
Whether you are a sauna lover, looking for relief from the flu or interested in well-being, our blog offers you plenty of useful information. Stay up to date with the latest tips and be inspired to bring more relaxation into your life!
Blog posts
Where is menthol used and what is its history?
Menthol (also called menthol) is familiar to many Finns, especially from the fresh scent of the sauna, which opens the airways and creates a refreshing experience during the steam bath. But the use of menthol is not limited to the sauna — this natural raw material is very versatile and is widely used in cosmetics, food, the pharmaceutical industry and wellness products. In this article, we will take a look at the history of menthol and tell you where it is used today. The history of menthol: at the source of freshness Menthol has been used for centuries for its cooling, refreshing and invigorating effects. Menthol was first isolated from Japanese peppermint oil in the 18th century, and in the 19th century it began to be produced and used industrially on a larger scale in Europe. Originally, menthol was used primarily for medicinal purposes: to relieve respiratory symptoms, relieve pain and freshen breath. With the industrial revolution and the development of chemistry, menthol became an important ingredient in many different fields, and today it is produced both from natural sources and synthetically. Use of menthol in cosmetics and hygiene products One of the biggest uses of menthol is in cosmetics and personal care. Its cooling effect and fresh scent make it a popular ingredient in products such as: In shampoos and conditioners – menthol stimulates the scalp and provides a fresh feeling during washing. In skin care products – for example, gels and creams – menthol is used to cool and soothe the skin. In toothpastes and mouthwashes – menthol brings a feeling of cleanliness and coolness to the mouth, which is why it is used in almost all refreshing oral hygiene products. In deodorants and aftershaves – menthol's refreshing and cooling properties make it an effective and pleasant addition to products where a refreshing effect is needed. In cosmetics, menthol also surprisingly acts as a deodorizer and mild antiseptic, which increases its versatility. Menthol in foods and beverages Menthol is also widely used in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the production of peppermint and menthol flavors. Its fresh taste and cooling effect make it popular in, for example: In sweets and chewing gums In lozenges and throat lozenges In dental candy and refreshing drinks In ice creams and desserts where menthol is combined with chocolate, for example Menthol is safe in food use, and is used in very small concentrations to bring freshness and a recognizable taste. For example, the menthol crystals contained in Sauna Menthol are 100% natural menthol crystals, which can in principle be eaten. However, this is not recommended, but they are a completely natural product. The importance of menthol in pharmaceutical and wellness products The effects of menthol are not just about smell and taste — it also has physiological properties that are utilized in many medicines and wellness products: Products that open the airways, such as nasal sprays, cough lozenges, and steam inhalation products, utilize the cooling and refreshing effect of menthol. Pain gels and liniments applied to the skin often contain menthol, which causes a cooling sensation and can relieve muscle and joint pain. In massage and relaxation products, menthol has a refreshing and at the same time calming effect. Menthol's effect is based on the fact that it stimulates cold receptors in the skin and mucous membranes, which gives the brain a cool sensation — even though there is no actual drop in temperature. Menthol in the sauna – the perfect addition to steam baths In Finland, menthol is particularly familiar to us from sauna products. When menthol is added to the sauna water and the heater, it creates a fresh and respiratory-opening feeling that makes the sauna session even more invigorating. Menthol products, such as Sauna Menthol's sauna ice, are perfect for bringing a spa-style atmosphere to the sauna and effectively relieving, for example, congestion or flu symptoms. In the sauna, menthol evaporates with the steam water and spreads evenly throughout the sauna. Many people find a menthol sauna to be a particularly relaxing and cleansing experience – it refreshes the body and mind. Use of menthol in industry and other products Menthol's uses don't stop with consumer products. It's also used in: In tobacco and nicotine products (e.g. menthol cigarettes, snuff, nicotine pouches) to provide a cool taste — although menthol cigarettes are banned in the EU, menthol is still used in substitute products in some markets. In perfumery, because menthol's fresh scent often acts as a base or top note in perfumes. In the chemical industry and laboratory use in many flavoring and pharmaceutical components. Summary Menthol is much more than just a “fresh scent in the sauna”. It is a versatile and valued natural substance that is widely used in everything from cosmetics and food to medicines and sauna products. Its long history and versatile properties make it a highly sought-after raw material — and in Finnish saunas, its use is considered by many to be an essential part of a perfect sauna experience. We strongly recommend trying Sauna Menthol’s high-quality menthol crystals. This product, called sauna ice, will make your sauna a perfect sauna experience.
Learn more
How to choose the right sauna heater - ensure the perfect sauna experience
A Finnish sauna is much more than just a space – it is a place for well-being, relaxation and togetherness. Whether it is your own home sauna, an outdoor sauna at a cottage or a rented sauna space, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right sauna heater. The sauna heater determines the atmosphere of the sauna, the quality of the steam and even the entire enjoyment of sauna bathing. In this blog post, we will go through what you should consider when choosing a sauna heater for your home or cottage, and finally we will also tell you how sauna scents can complement the experience. When choosing the right sauna heater, it is also worth consulting a professional from your local hardware store. After all, they sell them for their job. Why is the heater the heart of the sauna? A sauna heater is not just a source of heat – it creates the steam that makes up the entire sauna experience. Sauna bathing is at its best when the temperature and humidity are in balance, and the size, power and structure of the sauna heater have a decisive influence on this. A well-chosen sauna heater ensures that your sauna evening is relaxed and that the sauna experience does not become stuffy or too dry. 1. Sauna size and volume The first thing to pay attention to is the size of the sauna room. The power of the heater should be in proportion to the volume of the sauna: Small sauna (2–6 m³) : a 3–6 kW electric heater or a light wood-burning heater is usually sufficient. Medium-sized sauna (6–12 m³) : a more powerful 6–9 kW electric heater or a larger wood-burning heater is needed. Large sauna or outdoor sauna (12–20 m³) : requires a 9–15 kW electric heater or a sturdy wood-burning heater. Remember to also consider the sauna's insulation and the amount of glass surfaces. For example, glass doors and large windows increase the need for heating, as they also allow cooler air to easily enter the sauna from above and below. 2. Electric stove or wood stove? Choosing between an electric or wood-burning stove is one of the biggest decisions. An electric heater is easy and quick, especially suitable for city homes and apartment building saunas. Its advantage is that it can be scheduled and provides even heat. A wood-burning stove brings the atmosphere of a traditional sauna and is often the choice for a cottage or outdoor sauna. It provides soft and natural steam, but requires a little more maintenance and heating time. 3. Number of stones and quality of saunas The number of stones in a sauna directly affects the sensation of the sauna. The more stones, the softer and more humid the sauna. A small sauna heats up quickly, but its sauna can feel harsh. A large number of stones, on the other hand, stores heat and provides a longer, more pleasant sauna experience – perfect for long sauna sessions. 4. Intended use: home, cottage or sauna room Home sauna: practicality and ease of maintenance are emphasized. An electric heater is often the best solution. The cottage's outdoor sauna: a wood-burning stove creates an authentic atmosphere, combining the smell of smoke and the closeness of nature. Sauna space for rent: a large and efficient heater ensures that even a larger group can enjoy the sauna at the same time and for a long time. 5. Energy efficiency and safety Nowadays, the emphasis in sauna heaters is also on energy efficiency and safety. A properly sized sauna heater saves electricity and wood, and has a longer service life. Also, make sure that the sauna heater is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and fire safety regulations. Annual maintenance of the sauna heater also keeps its efficiency at the best possible level, and with a view to fire safety, it is important to keep the sauna heater clean. 6. Remember to maintain your heater If you think with common sense that a heater heats up and experiences extreme stress at best several times a week, it is clear that the heater also needs maintenance. In electric heaters, it is important to change the stones at least every two years and ensure that the heating elements do not touch each other. The arrangement of the stones is also important in both electric and wood-burning heaters, because it allows air to circulate well and the steam to evaporate properly. In wood-burning heaters, the firebox becomes caked and for this reason, it should be inspected annually and the chimney swept frequently enough. By properly maintaining the heater, you ensure the best possible steam. Sauna scents complete the experience Once you have chosen the right heater, it is a good idea to finish off your sauna evening with atmospheric sauna scents . Menthol crystals, birch leaf scents and various herbal aromas make sauna bathing even more relaxing and refreshing. Sauna scents can also make breathing easier, freshen the air and bring back memories of a summer outdoor sauna in the middle of winter. Sauna Menthol sauna scent is an excellent choice for your sauna routine because of its properties, but also because it leaves no residue in your sauna heater when used. Menthol is 100% pure mint oil, which vaporizes effectively in the sauna heater and also evaporates. Some sauna scents may contain synthetically produced aromas or oils that can leave residue in the sauna heater. So choose a sauna scent that is completely natural and pure. Summary: Choosing the right sauna heater is one of the most important decisions when it comes to having the perfect sauna experience. Remember to consider the size of your sauna room, the heater's power, the number of stones, and the intended use. Once you have the foundation in place, finish off your sauna evening with your chosen scents that will make sauna bathing an unforgettable experience.
Learn more
Menthol's refreshing effect on the respiratory tract and recovery in the sauna
For many Finns, a sauna is a place where the body and mind can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In a sauna, people relax, recover after exercise and calm down before going to sleep. One of the most popular additional elements of sauna bathing is menthol, whose refreshing and cooling effect is felt both in the respiratory tract and throughout the body. But why does menthol feel so special, and how can it be utilized in the sauna in the best possible way? What makes menthol unique? Menthol is a natural compound that is obtained, for example, from mint. Its characteristic property is a cooling and refreshing feeling, although it does not actually lower the body temperature. This is because menthol activates nerve endings that transmit the message of “coolness” to the brain. Therefore, it brings relief to, for example, the respiratory tract and gives a refreshing effect throughout the sauna session, making it longer lasting and more enjoyable. Therefore, it can be said that menthol is an excellent sauna scent. Menthol in the sauna – relief for breathing The heat of a sauna combined with the fresh menthol can feel particularly pleasant in the respiratory tract. Many people find that menthol mixed with steam opens up congestion and makes breathing easier. It is not a medicine, but it can act as a gentle aid, for example during flu season or allergy season . When menthol is used in sauna water, a pleasant sauna scent is created that fills the entire sauna with its freshness. This makes sauna bathing an experience that refreshes both body and mind. Menthol is also called sauna ice as a sauna product. Recovery after exercise Menthol not only refreshes the respiratory tract, but it can also support the body's recovery . The heat of the sauna relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation and increases metabolism. When combined with the cooling sensation of menthol, many people feel lighter and more refreshed after a sauna session. This makes menthol an excellent supplement for fitness enthusiasts , athletes or active people. Practical tips for using sauna crystals in the sauna Sauna ice with menthol: Add menthol crystals to a bowl that can stand on the stones of the sauna and let it release its fresh scent with the steam little by little. Sauna fragrance and steam crystals: Convenient options for mixing, which dissolve in the steam water and provide a consistent scent. Try different strengths: Everyone experiences menthol differently – start with a small amount and gradually increase until you find your own balance. Why choose menthol sauna products? Menthol brings a whole new dimension to sauna bathing. It refreshes the breath, supports recovery and makes sauna bathing a holistic wellness experience . Whether it's relaxing on a weekday evening, a weekend cottage sauna or recovering after a sports performance, the scent of menthol makes the experience fresh and memorable. Sauna Menthol sauna scent is an unbeatable product to spice up the sauna experience. So how do I use Sauna Menthol sauna scent? We have created comprehensive instructions for using Sauna Menthol products. There are clear instructions for dosage and we also offer many tips for using them. Every sauna is different and the use of Sauna Menthol sauna ice is also affected by, among other things, the size of the sauna, the location of the heater, the amount of water and of course the amount of menthol crystals. The best sauna experience is created with a few. Check out the comprehensive instructions for use here
Learn more
NEW: Sauna Menthol gift set is here!
Do you know that feeling when you wish you could give something other than flowers or chocolate as a gift? Now there's a solution: Sauna Menthol's new stylish gift packaging makes the sauna gift perfect! An elegant, pillow-shaped package completes the gift and holds 1–5 Sauna Menthol sachets . Perfect for a cottage wedding, birthday, Father's Day, Christmas sauna or just as an everyday pick-me-up for a sauna-freak friend!
Learn more
Sauna Ice – A fresh new addition to the sauna fragrance category
Sauna ice is an innovative and refreshing way to bring a pleasant scent to the sauna. It is made from menthol crystals using a special process. The menthol crystals come from mint oil (Menta Arvensis), which is Finnish for beach mint. The process results in an ice-crystal-like sauna scent that keeps its solid form up to 41 degrees. Sauna Menthol, or sauna ice, is a great touch of a new sauna experience that will surely be remembered by its user as a new sauna scent.
Learn more
Sauna Menthol has received an honorable mention in the 2025 online shopping competition
Sauna Menthol has been awarded an honorable mention in the South Ostrobothnian online store of the year competition organized by Into Seinäjoki. The South Ostrobothnia Online Store Competition of the Year is organized annually in Seinäjoki and several successful online retailers from the region participate in the competition. The competition got voters moving and a total of 838 votes were collected. The competition ended on March 25, 2025 at the Seinäjoki Rytmikorjamo. Sauna Menthol's new online store was awarded an honorable mention and the award was received by entrepreneurs Kerim Åkerman and Jussi Takala. The online store was praised for, among other things, its excellent visual design, stylish brand, good service and, of course, its excellent product. The votes cast clearly showed that one strong theme was that the whole is clear and the image of quality is in order. The entrepreneurs are grateful for all the votes they received, but the future development is only just beginning.
Learn more
Sauna Menthol expands to Switzerland – Partnership with Saunday opens doors to Central Europe
Sauna Menthol expands to Central Europe – cooperation with Saunday online store and Galaxus opens doors to new markets The Finnish Sauna Menthol product has gained a significant distributor when the Swiss online store Saunday has taken it into its range. At the same time, Sauna Menthol has also been sold on Switzerland's largest online store Galaxus, which provides the product with enormous visibility in Central Europe. This cooperation is an important step towards the internationalization of the product.
Learn more
Two things that Finns love: ice hockey and sauna! HokiKauha and Sauna Menthol collaborate!
Sauna Menthol and HokiKauha have agreed on a strategic partnership to bring a new impetus to Finnish sauna culture. This partnership brings together two brands: HokiKauha's innovative "steam throwers" and Sauna Menthol's cool, refreshing sauna ice. Sauna time together should be such that it has the right feeling that you can really feel.
Learn more
Sauna Menthol is now part of the Sauna from Finland network
Finnish sauna culture is one of our country's most beloved and well-known traditions. For us, a sauna is not just a warm room, but a holistic experience where well-being, relaxation and community come together. We are proud to announce that Sauna Menthol has joined the Sauna from Finland network, the world's leading promoter of Finnish sauna culture.
Learn more
Sauna Menthol®
Sauna Menthol®
Sauna Menthol® enhances your sauna experience and creates a unique spa-like ambiance that soothes and refreshes both body and mind. Menthol makes sauna bathing more enjoyable, longer-lasting, and adds a revitalizing effect to the moments even after your sauna session.
Experience the perfect combination of sauna and menthol with Sauna Menthol sauna ice and steam fragrances. The menthol crystals are made from 100% natural essential mint oil, bringing a fresh, invigorating, and even icy coolness to your sauna. This refreshing contrast to the sauna's heat effectively opens your airways.
Try it out and enjoy the coolest moment of your sauna experience – a perfect gift for any sauna lover!
Delivery costs calculated at checkout.
- Delivery from Seinäjoki, Finland
- 100% natural product
- Sauna Menthol products are currently available for delivery within Europe only. If you're interested in reselling or international shipping, feel free to contact us.
