What it is
Mentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract is obtained from the leaves of apple mint, an aromatic herb in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The extract carries the plant's water-soluble constituents and a fresh, minty botanical character, and is used in formulas as a conditioning and refreshing ingredient. In sunscreens it appears as a supporting botanical contributing skin feel and a light scent rather than as a UV filter.
Safety & warnings
Mint-family leaf extracts are generally well tolerated at the low levels used in cosmetics, but their aromatic constituents can contribute to scent-related sensitivity in fragrance-reactive individuals. Those prone to reacting to mint or botanical fragrances should be aware it functions partly as an aromatic ingredient.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; extracted from the leaves of Mentha suaveolens, a mint species native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Questions everyone asks
What kind of mint is this?
It is apple mint (Mentha suaveolens), a mint-family herb whose leaf extract is used for conditioning and a fresh botanical scent.
Does apple mint extract cool the skin?
It contributes a fresh, minty character, but it is used mainly as a conditioning and aromatic botanical rather than a strong cooling active.