system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: How does Deep Freeze spray/gel work? Does it have the same effect as putting ice on the muscle, by withdrawing heat from it, or is it some chemically made artificial cooling sensation?
gpt
Deep Freeze uses peppermint oil (previously levomenthol, but they reformulated due to changes in the law). This causes a sensation of coolness without an actual lowering in temperature. However the body reacts in a similar way, by reducing blood flow to the affected area, so it does cause a reduction in swelling similar to if an actual ice pack had been used.