Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
What is it?
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil is a natural essential oil obtained from the peppermint plant. Other ingredients made from leaves of the peppermint plant that may be used in cosmetics and personal care products include Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water. In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used in the formulation of dentrifices, mouthwashes and breath fresheners, skin care products, bath products, and makeup.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes peppermint on its list of spices and other natural seasonings and flavoring considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Peppermint is also on the list of GRAS essential oils, oleoresins and natural extractives.
The safety of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Oil, Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Extract, Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Leaves, and Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Water were safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products. The concentration of pulegone (a natural component) in these ingredients should not exceed 1%.
The safety of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Oil, Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Extract, Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Leaves, and Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Water were safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products. The concentration of pulegone (a natural component) in these ingredients should not exceed 1%.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water impart a distinct odor or flavor to products. In cosmetic and personal care products, these ingredients may also function as skin conditioning agents.
Scientific facts:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water are obtained from the Mentha piperita plant. The oil is composed primarily of menthol and menthone. Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil is a colorless or pale yellow liquid having a strong, penetrating odor. It also has a pungent taste that is followed by the sensation of coldness when air is drawn into the mouth.
