Refreshing

The refreshing ingredients create a feeling of freshness and comfort immediately after application. In cosmetics, they most often work not as "therapeutic" assets, but as substances that give the scalp, face or body a light cooling and toning sensory effect. Due to this, the product is perceived more pleasant in the heat, after sports, shaving or washing. In the European CosIng database, the refreshing function is highlighted as a separate cosmetic role of the ingredient, that is, it is about improving consumer feelings and perception of the product. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)

On the skin, such components help to quickly reduce the feeling of overheating, "heaviness" or stickiness after application, and in hair and scalp products they make lotions, shampoos and tonics feel more invigorating. They have less effect on the texture of the formula than on the sensory: the product may seem lighter, cleaner and cooler. Typical examples are Menthol and mint—based ingredients, such as peppermint derivatives or extracts. Menthol is well known for its ability to cause a cooling sensation when applied externally; this is why it is widely used in cosmetics and in some over-the-counter topical formulas. (accessdata.fda.gov)

At the same time, it is important to understand that such an effect does not always mean a real decrease in skin temperature: more often it is a sensory sensation of coolness. In moderation, it makes the product more pleasant, but for sensitive or damaged skin, too intense cooling components can cause tingling and irritation. This is especially true for menthol and similar substances, so the dosage and purpose of the product are important in the formulas. (fda.gov)