Peppermint Mentha Piperita Essential Oil, 100 ml

Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint essential oil is added to cosmetics for its distinctive, fresh menthol scent and for the cooling sensation it leaves on the skin. It is obtained by steam distillation of the plant Mentha piperita L. and is supplied in cosmetic grade. In a formulation it does two jobs at once: it fragrances the product and also acts as an active ingredient with a refreshing effect. It is therefore most often used in body care, in foot care products and in products for hair and scalp.

This raw material of Asian origin is certified as vegan and has not been tested on animals. Besides cosmetics, it is also used in diffusers and in aromatherapy, where its clean, penetrating scent is put to good use.

How it works on skin and hair

• Cooling sensation – according to the manufacturer, the oil produces a distinctly cooling and refreshing feeling on the skin. It is used in products for tired feet, in cooling body gels and in after-sun milks.
• Refreshing the scalp – the manufacturer recommends it for shampoos, conditioners and scalp treatments, where it contributes to a feeling of cleanliness and freshness.
• Antimicrobial properties – the manufacturer states an antimicrobial effect, which according to their data supports a clean appearance of the skin.
• Invigorating scent – the intense menthol scent gives products an energetic, awakening character and, according to the manufacturer, supports a fresh appearance of both skin and hair.

Use in a formulation

The recommended processing temperature is below 40 °C. The oil is a mixture of volatile substances, so it is added only at the end of production, when the mixture has cooled, and the product is sealed as soon as possible. Prolonged heating causes some of the scent to be lost.

When determining the dose, it is worth starting low. Peppermint has a strong scent and the product is classified as an irritant, so a higher amount may not be pleasant on the skin.

Suitable for products such as

• Cooling foot gels and creams – they make use of the refreshing sensation for which peppermint is most often added to cosmetics.
• Massage oils and balms – anhydrous products in which the cooling effect comes through fully.
• Shampoos and conditioners – rinse-off hair products that leave the scalp feeling refreshed.
• Body sprays and toners – the manufacturer lists them among the recommended applications, and the fresh, cooling character of the oil suits them well.
• Diffuser blends – on its own or in combination with other essential oils.

Good to know

The oil is colourless to light yellow, so it has practically no effect on the colour of the finished product. The scent is penetrating and in blends it easily overpowers weaker components, so it is dosed carefully in fragrance compositions.

The cooling sensation is not pleasant for everyone. Caution is needed with facial products and the eye area is avoided entirely. For sensitive skin, it is advisable to stay with a lower usage rate and to test the product beforehand.

Frequently asked questions