Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract

Mentha piperita leaf extract is an extract obtained from the leaves of peppermint (Mentha × piperita). In skincare products, peppermint extract is used as a fragrance, for its cooling effect on the skin, and for its antioxidant properties.

This species of mint is a hybrid of two other mints: watermint and spearmint. Since it is a hybrid, it usually does not produce seeds but spreads very fast by shoots and runners.

Peppermint extract contains fresh-smelling essential oil, which mainly consists of menthol and menthone. These mint-scented compounds produce a cold sensation after application to the skin. Mint then contains plenty of flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant properties.

A safety side note: peppermint oil is not suitable for babies and children, as they cannot inhale it properly. Also, as is typical for all essential oils, it may cause an unpleasant allergic rash in more sensitive individuals, so always patch test it first.