Mentha Piperita Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil, commonly known as peppermint oil, is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the Mentha Piperita plant. This hybrid plant, resulting from the cross betwe ...
Mentha Piperita Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil, commonly known as peppermint oil, is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the Mentha Piperita plant. This hybrid plant, resulting from the cross between watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata), is valued for its fresh aroma and therapeutic properties. The oil is obtained through steam distillation or other extraction techniques and is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products.
Chemical Composition and Structure:
Mentha Piperita Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil contains several bioactive compounds:
Menthol: The primary compound, known for its cooling and analgesic effects.
Menthone: Contributes to the distinctive mint aroma and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Menthyl Acetate: Adds a soothing quality and contributes to the mint fragrance.
1,8-Cineole: Provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Rosmarinic Acid: An antioxidant that supports the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Typically a clear or slightly yellow liquid.
Odor: Characteristic of peppermint, with a fresh and mentholated aroma.
Solubility: Soluble in oil and alcohol, but not in water.
pH: Generally neutral to slightly acidic, depending on the formulation.
Production Process:
Harvesting: Flowers, leaves, and stems of Mentha Piperita are collected during the plant's peak growth period.
Extraction: The harvested plant parts are subjected to steam distillation or other extraction methods to obtain the essential oil.
Purification: The oil is filtered to remove impurities and plant residues.
Standardization: The oil may be standardized to ensure consistent levels of key compounds such as Menthol and Menthone.
Formulation: The purified and standardized oil is incorporated into various cosmetic and personal care products.
Applications:
Cosmetics and Skincare: Used for its refreshing and soothing properties in products such as creams, lotions, and face masks. It also provides a toning and stimulating effect.
Hair Care: Included in shampoos and conditioners for its invigorating properties and to provide a fresh aroma.
Aromatherapy: Utilized for its refreshing and stimulating effects in aromatherapy blends.
Environmental and Safety Considerations:
Environmental Impact: Peppermint cultivation should follow sustainable agricultural practices to minimize environmental impact.
Safety: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, as with all plant-derived ingredients, individual reactions such as intolerance or allergy cannot be excluded.
INCI:
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.
Synonyms:
CAS: 84082-70-2 EC number 282-015-4