Description

Mentha Piperita Stem Extract. Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is a hybrid plant derived from the cross between watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). The stem extract of Mentha piperita is obtained from the stems of the peppermint plant and is used in various cosmetic and personal care products for its refreshing and aromatic properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Mentha piperita stem extract contains several key bioactive compounds:

Menthol: The primary component, known for its cooling sensation and analgesic properties.
Menthone: Contributes to the peppermint aroma and has mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Rosmarinic Acid: An antioxidant compound with anti-inflammatory properties.
Flavonoids: Such as luteolin and apigenin, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Essential Oils: Contain compounds like menthyl acetate and 1,8-cineole, which enhance the extract’s fragrance and offer additional antimicrobial properties.
Physical Properties:

Appearance: Typically a clear to pale green liquid, depending on the concentration and method of extraction.
Odor: Characteristic of peppermint, with a fresh, minty aroma.
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol.
pH: Generally neutral to slightly acidic, depending on the formulation.

Production Process:

Harvesting: The peppermint plant is cultivated, and stems are harvested at peak growth to ensure optimal levels of bioactive compounds.
Extraction: The stems are subjected to extraction methods such as steam distillation or solvent extraction to obtain the essential oils and active compounds.
Purification: The extract is filtered to remove impurities and any residual plant material.
Standardization: The extract may be standardized to ensure consistent levels of key compounds like menthol and menthone.
Formulation: The purified and standardized extract is incorporated into various cosmetic and personal care products.

Applications:

Cosmetics and Skincare: Used for its refreshing and cooling properties in products such as creams, lotions, and face masks. It helps to soothe the skin and provide a cooling effect.
Hair Care: Included in shampoos and conditioners for its invigorating properties and to provide a refreshing scent.
Anti-Aging Products: Utilized for its antioxidant properties to help protect the skin from oxidative stress and signs of aging.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The cultivation of peppermint should follow sustainable agricultural practices to minimize environmental impact.
Safety: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. As with all plant-derived ingredients, individual reactions such as intolerance or allergy cannot be excluded.

INCI


Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Flavoring agent. The purpose of this ingredient is to modify the solution to impart a certain flavour. Natural flavouring extracts are rather expensive, so the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries resort to synthesised substances that have sensory characteristics mostly similar to natural flavourings or are naturally equivalent. This ingredient is isolated through chemical processes or is synthesised from chemicals. It is also referred to as Aroma.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84082-70-2 EC number 282-015-4