Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil
Spearmint essential oil. It gives a fresh minty scent; some people may develop contact allergy.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Spearmint leaf oil (INCI Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil) is an essential oil obtained from spearmint. In a formula it works as a fragrance and aroma component, giving a fresh minty scent and a slight cooling feel thanks to volatiles such as carvone. This is a functional fragrance ingredient, not a care active. It does not treat or repair the skin; its role is the scent and sensorial feel of the product. Do not expect a skincare effect from it. Applied topically at cosmetic levels the oil has no systemic relevance, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The concentrated essential oil should not be applied neat to the skin. On tolerance, honestly: irritation itself is low, but allergy potential is medium. Mint essential oils contain volatile compounds that can trigger a contact reaction in sensitised people. Most people have no reaction, but with sensitive or allergy-prone skin it is worth patch-testing the product on a small area first.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil safe during pregnancy?
Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil for?
Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?
Spearmint essential oil.
What's the INCI name for Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil?
The INCI name is Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil. It may also appear as: Spearmint Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil.
See Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Menthoxypropanediol, Menthyl PCA, Methicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-7/3 Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Sodium Saccharin, Benzoic Acid, Diethyl Succinate
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