Peppermint Essential Oil - Mentha piperita

Peppermint Essential Oil

Mentha piperita

Steam-distilled essential oil from the leaves/flowering tops of Mentha piperita.
Aroma: crisp, cooling mint with sweet-herbal facets.

Key natural constituents (typical ranges)

• Menthol 30–50% → strong cooling, antiseptic feel

• Menthone 20-50% → minty, green

• Menthyl acetate 5–10% → sweet, creamy mint
  (plus small amounts of 1,8-cineole, limonene, etc.)

Common physical data

• Appearance: water-clear to pale yellow, mobile liquid

• Solubility: oil/ethanol-soluble; insoluble in water

• Relative density (20 °C): ~0.90–0.92

• Refractive index (20 °C): ~1.457–1.467

• Flash point: ~66 °C 

• Storage: cool, tightly closed, away from light; oxidizes over time

Applications

Fine fragrance

• EDP/Perfume (ethanol): 0.1–2% (it dominates easily; dose low)

• Aromatherapy diffusers: 3–6 drops per 100 mL water

Personal care (skin-safe, leave-on/rinse-off)*

• Rinse-off (shampoo, shower gel, soaps): 0.2–1%

• Leave-on (lotions, gels, balms): 0.05–0.5% for a cool feel; up to 1% in targeted rubs

• Scalp/foot gels & sports rubs: 0.3–1% (patch test)

• Lip products: 0.05–0.2% (mucosa is sensitive)

Home fragrance (non–skin contact)

• Candles/wax melts: 2–6% of wax (often blended with citrus, eucalyptus, rosemary)

• Room/linen sprays: 0.2–1% with proper solubiliser and fabric testing

Household

• Deodorising/“fresh air” blends, surface cleaner fragrance (at low %).

• Used as an insect/rodent deterrent 

Click here for IFRA certificate