Ingredient dictionary

Mentha Piperita Oil

Also listed as: Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a scented oil from the peppermint plant, usually made by steam distillation. It gives products a cooling scent and helps them smell fresh. It is on the label of 3 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: as an essential oil, it carries the same fragrance allergens as perfume, and fragrance-free labels can still include it, so people with sensitive skin or allergies may want to check ingredient lists.

Essential oils. Scented plant oils such as lavender, citrus peel, peppermint or tea tree.

What Mentha Piperita Oil does

Gives a fresh, minty scent
Adds a cooling, tingling feel
Helps mask base odors

Peppermint oil comes from the peppermint plant, a hybrid mint. It is usually made by steam distillation, where steam pulls the aromatic oils out of the leaves and flowering tops, which are then separated and collected. Its main component is menthol, which is why it feels cool on the skin.

Formulators use it mainly for scent, since it gives a clean, fresh smell. It also adds a tingling, cooling feel, which is why it appears in shampoos and scalp products. Because it is a strong ingredient, it is usually used in small amounts.

Good for

Good for people who enjoy a fresh, minty scent or cooling feel in shampoos and scalp care.

Frequently asked questions

Is peppermint oil safe in shampoo?

Many people tolerate it well, since shampoo is rinsed off quickly. Those with sensitive skin or known mint or fragrance allergies may react, so a patch test is wise. Fragrance-free labels can still include it.

Why does peppermint oil feel cold on skin?

Peppermint oil contains menthol, a natural compound that triggers the nerve receptors that sense cold. This creates a cooling or tingling feeling without really lowering skin temperature. That is why it feels refreshing in shampoos and lotions.