What are the dangers of peppermint hydrosol?

Peppermint is a hybrid perennial plant widely cultivated around the world. Among the many varieties of mint, it is the richest in volatile aromatic molecules, which gives it its characteristic refreshing scent.

Peppermint hydrosol is obtained throughhydrodistillation.This technique involves mixing and heating fresh mint leaves with water in a still, then collecting the water vapour in liquid form. The essential oil, less dense than the water used for extraction, floats on the surface and is known as the hydrosol. Derived from the same plant, the two fractions have similar properties, but the hydrosol is less concentrated in active species than the essential oil because the aromatic essences are present in smaller quantities.

This floral water can be identified on the I.N.C.I. lists of cosmetic products under the name "Mentha Piperita Flower/Leaf/Stem Water". It presents itself as a clear, mobile liquid that is colourless with a powerful, fresh, mentholated scent with sweet notes.

In skin and hair care, this hydrosol is renowned due to various properties:

• Purifying, it regulates sebum secretion and sanitises oily skin and greasy hair (whether or not dandruff is present).

• Astringent, it visibly tightens the pores and thus strengthens the skin barrier.

• Refreshing, it soothes widespread redness and calms the burn from shaving and hair removal. Its immediate refreshing action also relieves sunburn and reduces feelings of discomfort.

• Toning, it stimulates blood circulation and revitalises the radiance of tired skin.

Ourpeppermint hydrosolis obtained through distillation from peppermint leaves sourced from organic farming, grown and harvested in France. This treatment is suitable for combination to oily skin types as well as enlarged pores. It should be applied morning and evening, after skin cleansing, using a cotton pad or directly with the fingers.

Hydrosols rarely present dangers and contraindications. However, similar to peppermint essential oil, peppermint hydrosol may contain terpenic ketones (menthone) in a non-negligible quantity. In this case, its use is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding womenas well as children under 3 years old.

Note : Our peppermint hydrosol does not contain menthone, therefore it does not have any contraindications for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under 3 years old. Furthermore, peppermint hydrosol is not a photosensitising substance, it can be applied both in the morning and in the evening.

• FAUCON M. "Traité d'aromathérapie scientifique et médicale, les hydrolats" (2018).