Peppermint CO2-se Extract, Organic, 5 ml

Mint CO2-se extract, organic, is added to cosmetics for its cooling and refreshing effect and for the distinct, clean scent of peppermint. It is obtained from the leaves of Mentha piperita L. from organic cultivation by extraction with carbon dioxide. The extract consists of volatile compounds of the kind found naturally in peppermint essential oil. It contains no preservatives, alcohol or palm oil-derived ingredients.

In a formulation it performs two roles at once: it acts as an active ingredient with a cooling effect and also as a fragrance component. It is both cosmetic grade and food grade, so it can also be used in oral care products, for example mouthwashes and toothpastes.

Key benefits

• Cooling effect – it creates a feeling of coolness on the skin, which is used in aftershave gels, cooling body products and lip products. The intensity of the cooling depends on the usage rate.
• Refreshing scent – the mint note suits rinse-off products, where it gives a brief, fresh effect, as well as leave-on products, where it lasts longer.
• For oily and normal skin – it is incorporated into cleansing gels, toners and light emulsions intended for these skin types.
• Natural fragrance component – in natural recipes it replaces synthetic fragrance, and it can also be used in diffusers and aromatherapy.

Use in formulations

The extract is oil-soluble and not water-soluble. It mixes with vegetable oils, butters and waxes, so in anhydrous products it is added directly to the oil base. In emulsions it is incorporated into the oil phase or only in the cooling phase, or it is stirred into the finished base afterwards.

The recommended processing temperature is below 40 °C. When making creams, it is therefore not heated together with the oil phase to the emulsifying temperature, but added only after cooling, with constant stirring. In balms and massage bars it is added just before pouring, when the mixture is already starting to set.

In water-based systems such as toners, mouthwashes or sprays, the extract can be incorporated only with the help of a solubiliser. It is compatible with non-ionic surfactants and with alcohol, so it can be incorporated into shower gels and shampoos, as well as into alcohol-based products such as aftershave. It is premixed with a solubiliser or with a surfactant base, and only then is water added. Check the ratio of solubiliser to extract in a test batch.

The extract has a brownish-yellow colour, which may slightly tint light formulations at a higher usage rate. For white creams and clear gels, make a test batch first.

Soap is among the stated uses, but we have not verified how the extract behaves in cold process soap (its effect on trace or on the colour of the soap batter). Before making a larger batch, it is worth trying a small mould.

Suitable for products such as

• Lip balms and lip balm sticks – a cooling feeling and mint scent, provided the IFRA limit for category 1 is observed.
• Aftershave gels and lotions, cooling body gels – refreshment after shaving or after exertion.
• Shampoos, shower gels and cleansing gels – scent and a feeling of freshness during washing, also suitable for oily skin and scalp.
• Mouthwashes and toothpastes – the extract is food grade and the oral cavity is among the stated areas of application.
• Bath bombs and bath salts, soaps – scent in rinse-off products.
• Candles, diffusers and household cleaning products – a natural fragrance component outside cosmetics.

Good to know

The extract is classified under the CLP Regulation and marked with the GHS07 pictogram (irritant, sensitisation, mild toxicity). Details on safe handling can be found in the safety data sheet. It contains fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

The product contains no ingredients of animal origin, has not been tested on animals and carries organic certification. The manufacturer also has it approved under the NATRUE, Halal and Kosher systems.

Frequently asked questions