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Profile: Peppermint Oil Macerate
Commonly known as:
Mentha Piperita Leaf / Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (I.N.C.I.).
Botanical name:
Mentha piperita L. var. piperita.
Extraction process:
The first cold pressing extraction of sunflower seeds is followed by the maceration of peppermint leaves, sourced from organic farming, in virgin sunflower oil.
Family:
Lamiaceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Leaves.
Location:
Primarily cultivated in Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, and France.
Flowering:
From July to September.
Provenance, origin:
Peppermint leaves: France, Europe and/or Asia; Sunflower seeds: Europe.
Phytochemical composition:
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid); monounsaturated fatty acids (palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, eicosenoic acid); saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid, behenic acid, stearic acid).
Sensorial properties:
Appearance: Oily liquid; Colour: Green; Scent: Strong peppermint aroma.
Physical characteristics:
Density: 0.915 - 0.923 g/cm3; Soluble in oils and organic solvents; Oxidative potential: Sensitive; Saponification index: 188 - 198 mg KOH/g; pH: Not applicable, non-aqueous product.
Benefits:
Anti-inflammatory, refreshing, fragrant, purifying, anti-bacterial, calming, soothing.
Concerns:
All skin types, particularly mature skin, acne-prone skin, combination to oily skin, and irritated skin; All hair types, especially oily hair; Recommended in cases of heavy legs.
Details
Applications
Facial Care (lip balms, cream masks, face creams, purifying cleansing gels);
Body Care (massage oils, shower gels);
Haircare (hair oils, shampoos, conditioners);
Hygiene (toothpastes).
Method of Preservation
Oil macerate sensitive to oxidation. Store in a dry and cool place (temperature below 15°C), protected from light, moisture and heat.
Contraindications, Usage Precautions
There are no contraindications to the cosmetic use of peppermint macerate. It can be used by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, as well as young children. Avoid contact with the eyes.
Find out more
Peppermint is a hybrid of Mentha aquatica x Mentha spicata. Dried peppermint leaves have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to the first millennium BC; however, it appears that at that time they were not intended for therapeutic use, but rather to perfume, purify or flavour dishes or places. Hippocrates and Aristotle used it as an aphrodisiac. The Greeks and Hebrews used peppermint to perfume themselves, while the Romans used it to flavour wine and dishes. Moreover, Roman law forbade women from drinking wine, a beverage reserved for men and Gods, so they chewed a paste made from mint and honey to disguise the smell. The name of the plant comes from Minthe, a nymph from Greek mythology whom Proserpine, out of jealousy, transformed into a "peppery" flower.