Menthol is the active ingredient for the medicated version of Black Ice, providing deep, cool pain relief. The lavender version is non-medicated and simply has lavender essential oil infused. The same amount of charcoal is contained in both. The lavender version is best for people who want the detoxifying effects of charcoal in a patch without the cooling sensation of menthol. People who want strong pain relief should opt for the menthol version and those who want to use the patch for other uses (such as rashes or skin conditions) or want to use it on small children, should opt for the mild, lavender version. However, the healing effects of charcoal can be experienced by either type of patch.