What it is
Mentha Spicata Oil is the volatile essential oil obtained from spearmint, a plant in the mint family. In cosmetics it is used primarily as a fragrance and to provide a fresh, lightly cooling sensory impression in products such as sunscreens, lip products, and bath items. Because it is a concentrated essential oil, it is added at low levels.
Safety & warnings
Spearmint oil is an essential oil containing volatile constituents such as carvone and limonene; limonene is a recognized fragrance allergen, and mint oils can cause irritation or sensitization in some individuals, particularly on compromised or sensitive skin. Those prone to fragrance reactions should use caution and patch test.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, obtained by steam distillation of the aerial parts of spearmint (Mentha spicata), a herb in the Lamiaceae family.
Questions everyone asks
What is Mentha Spicata Oil?
It is the essential oil of spearmint, used as a fragrance and to give products a fresh, cooling feel.
Can it cause sensitivity?
Mint essential oils can irritate or sensitize some people, and the oil contains limonene, a known fragrance allergen, so caution is advised for reactive skin.