The Vision (1992)

The genesis of Nicomenthyl® is rooted in a pioneering idea conceived by Dr. Gabriele Segalla in 1992, initially realized under the name Cryotermol.

The scientific objective was audacious: to synthesize a new molecular complex capable of delivering a bivalent, almost "contradictory," cosmetic action. The goal was to replicate the dynamic sensation resulting from the simultaneous contact of a hot and a cold body on the skin.

This unique interaction was designed to generate a pulsing, toning, and normalizing micro-massage — an ideal mechanism to counteract common skin blemishes such as cellulite, excessive hair loss, and tissue slackening.

• The Strategic Choice: Nicotinic Acid (also known as Vitamin B3 or Niacin) was selected as the key reagent, already recognized for its proven efficacy in activating cutaneous microcirculation due to its marked vasodilating effect.
• Realizing the Vision: Dr. Segalla successfully produced the first grams of what was named Cryotermol (from the Greek kryos: cold and thermon: hot), a name that perfectly captured its functional essence. This success was not an endpoint, but rather the opening of a path which, through the constant pursuit of a new synthesis technology, would ultimately lead to the birth of the Menthyl nicotinate molecule, the pure and definitive evolution of the compound.

Innovation that Exceeds Expectations

The new compound did not merely confirm its excellent properties in reactivating cutaneous microcirculation. It soon proved to be more promising than anticipated.

In addition to boasting high biocompatibility and rapid absorption through the stratum corneum, Cryotermol delivered an effective cutaneous micro-massage that translated into a pleasant and unexpected sense of wellness, thanks to its distinctive simultaneous hot-cold effect on the area of application.

This sensorial and functional success led to its rapid adoption in key cosmetic sectors:

• Products for hair loss prevention (shampoos, lotions, conditioners).
• Specific anti-cellulite formulations.

Throughout the 1990s, numerous Cryotermol-based cosmetics made their debut, marking the compound's significant first step into the Italian and international markets.

The Limitations of Traditional Synthesis

Despite its commercial success, the synthesis methods available at the time presented an insurmountable technical limitation: the inability to achieve a product of sufficient purity.

The result was a mixture composed of menthyl nicotinate, menthol, and various "impurities," whose presence posed a challenge. The primary contaminants were:

• Methyl Nicotinate: Too hyperaemic or sensitizing for some individuals.
• Terpenic By-products: Resulting from the chemical degradation of menthol and impossible to separate using the techniques available then.

For years, compounds like Nicoment (marketed by Multichem between 2010 and 2012) were simply these "mixtures." Conscious of this limitation, Dr. Segalla never ceased his research, dedicating himself with persistence to developing a new process to obtain menthyl nicotinate of ultra-high purity.

2013: The Perfect Formula

In 2013, renewed interest in the potential pharmaceutical applications of menthyl nicotinate gave fresh impetus to Dr. Segalla's research. After a decade of rigorous and uninterrupted efforts, he finally patented a new industrial synthesis process: a method that was faster, delivered ultra-high yield, and, crucially, was capable of isolating an active ingredient 100% free from impurities and by-products.

• Nicomenthyl® was born.

  Unlike the previous "mixtures" (Cryotermol, Vitanim, Nicoment, etc.), Nicomenthyl® is a highly pure substance, not a blend of components.

• Unique Identity: It possesses a single INCI name (MENTHYL NICOTINATE) and a single CAS number (40594-65-8).
• Distinctive Characteristics: It is a liquid, slightly viscous, transparent and almost odorless substance, with a well-defined boiling point at 292.23 °C and an exceptionally high level of purity, guaranteed and confirmed by gas chromatographic and mass spectrophotometry analysis.

This product, in its absolute purity, is intended for use in high-end cosmetics and topical medical devices.

Global Recognition

The scientific discovery and innovation introduced by Dr. Segalla have been promptly protected by international patents, bearing witness to their unique value:

• Usage Patents (Granted): Italian, European, and American patents have been granted for the use of menthyl nicotinate in topical preparations designed for sexual stimulation in both males and females.
• Synthesis Process Patent (International PCT): In 2016, an international PCT patent application was filed on the new and revolutionary synthesis process of Menthyl Nicotinate ("NEW MENTHYL NICOTINATE SYNTHESIS PROCESS"). This patent has been granted in major jurisdictions worldwide.

Nicomenthyl® is more than just an ingredient. It is the culmination of a long research journey, a symbol of our dedication to science, innovation, and absolute purity.

Nicomenthyl® is not the conclusion of a story, but the starting point for tomorrow’s cosmeceutical innovation. Embodying the excellence derived from decades of scientific rigour, this compound now represents the global standard for pure Menthyl Nicotinate (>99%). Its defined chemical identity and patented, ultra-high purity offer formulators an unparalleled guarantee of efficacy, stability, and skin safety. Choosing Nicomenthyl® means trusting an innovation that has transformed vision into science, setting a new benchmark in the functional active ingredients sector.