Menthol cigarettes are very popular. In 2021, 37% of cigarettes sold in the U.S. were menthol cigarettes. However, menthol is more than just a flavor. Knowing what menthol is and how it works in cigarettes and other tobacco products may help you understand why health experts are concerned about its growing popularity.

What Is Menthol?
Menthol is a chemical compound that is sometimes added to cigarettes and other tobacco products. It is also sometimes used in medicines like cough drops. Menthol is found naturally in peppermint and similar plants, or it can be produced in a laboratory. It can change how your brain interprets information about taste and sensations.

Why Do Tobacco Companies Add Menthol to Cigarettes?
Tobacco companies add menthol to cigarettes because it makes cigarettes taste less harsh and makes them easier to inhale. When menthol is added to cigarettes, it reduces the burning feeling some people experience when they inhale. Menthol can also help mask the taste of tobacco. This makes menthol cigarettes easier to smoke than non-menthol cigarettes. This is especially concerning for teen and other people who have just started smoking because it makes it more likely they will get hooked on nicotine.

Are Menthol Cigarettes Safer Than Other Cigarettes?
Although tobacco industry marketing has suggested that menthol cigarettes are “smoother” or “healthier” than other cigarettes, menthol cigarettes are not safter than regular cigarettes. Instead, people who begin smoking menthol cigarettes may find it harder to quit smoking than people who smoke cigarettes without menthol.

Should I Switch from Menthol Cigarettes to Cigarettes Without Menthol?
Switching from menthol cigarettes to non-menthol cigarettes will not reduce your risk of getting a tobacco-related disease. Instead, you should quit smoking completely. Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, and there are a lot of resources available to help you live a tobacco-free life. If you’re looking to quit smoking, you can start by speaking with your healthcare provider or by checking out the tools and resources here.