Mentha Viridis Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Mentha Viridis Extract?

Mentha Viridis Extract comes from the whole spearmint plant, a member of the mint family known for its bright green leaves and refreshing aroma. The plant is rich in natural oils, mainly carvone and limonene with small amounts of menthol and flavonoids. Spearmint has been valued since ancient Greek and Roman times to scent baths and freshen breath, and that pleasant scent is what first drew cosmetic makers to it.

To obtain the extract, harvested spearmint plants are usually steam-distilled. The steam lifts the volatile oils from the leaves and stems, the vapor is cooled, then the aromatic fraction is separated and refined. Some manufacturers also use gentle solvent or CO2 extraction to capture a broader range of plant compounds while keeping the process food-grade and skin friendly.

Today the extract appears in a wide range of products such as facial cleansers, toners, clay or sheet masks, lightweight moisturizers, aftershaves, body lotions, shampoos, conditioners, lip balms and of course mouthwashes and toothpastes. Brands rely on it to deliver a crisp, natural scent while supporting that clean, fresh feeling consumers expect from mint-based formulas.

Mentha Viridis Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In topical products this botanical serves two main roles that complement each other.

  • Fragrance – Its cool minty aroma instantly refreshes a formula, covers less pleasant base odors and leaves a clean after-scent on skin or hair which can boost the overall sensory experience and perceived freshness of the product
  • Oral Care – When used in toothpastes, mouthwashes or lip products the extract helps freshen breath, provides a mild cooling sensation and offers light antimicrobial support that can assist in keeping the mouth feeling clean

Who Can Use Mentha Viridis Extract

Products with Mentha Viridis Extract tend to suit most skin types, especially normal, oily and combination skin that like a light fresh feel. Dry or very sensitive skin can still use it but might prefer lower levels because the fragrant oils can sometimes feel a bit brisk or tingly. Acne-prone skin usually tolerates it well since the extract is not pore-clogging.

The ingredient is entirely plant based and is produced without any animal-derived additives so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. As always, certification depends on the finished brand’s cruelty-free standards.

Current research does not flag Mentha Viridis Extract as risky for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used on the skin at cosmetic levels. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any product past their doctor just to be safe.

The extract is not known to cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more likely to burn in the sun. It also plays well with most other common cosmetic ingredients and does not interfere with sunscreen filters or makeup wear.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Mentha Viridis Extract vary by person. The points below list potential reactions yet most users will not notice any problems if the formula has been made correctly and used as directed.

  • Skin irritation – a brief stinging or warming sensation can occur, particularly on very sensitive or compromised skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis – rare but possible in people allergic to mint family plants or fragrance components like limonene
  • Sensitization over time – frequent high-level exposure may make skin more reactive to minty ingredients in general
  • Mucous membrane discomfort – in oral care products too strong a concentration can feel overly sharp or drying inside the mouth

If any discomfort, redness or swelling develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for advice.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Mentha Viridis Extract is mostly made up of lightweight volatile aroma compounds that evaporate quickly rather than sitting on the skin surface so it does not have the dense fatty molecules that usually block pores. Because it leaves no greasy residue it is considered non-comedogenic. This makes the ingredient generally safe for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

Although it will not clog pores, its fragrant nature can still irritate some highly reactive skins which may indirectly lead to flare-ups in sensitive acne conditions. Formulation strength and overall product balance therefore matter.

Summary

Mentha Viridis Extract is used in cosmetics mainly to add a crisp minty fragrance and to refresh the mouth in oral care products. It achieves these goals through naturally occurring compounds like carvone and limonene that deliver scent, a gentle cooling feel and light antimicrobial support.

Spearmint is well known in everyday life yet the extract itself is moderately popular in beauty products, showing up most often in cleansers, toners, shampoos and dental formulas rather than high-end serums or creams.

At cosmetic levels it is regarded as safe for the vast majority of users with only a small risk of irritation or allergy in sensitive individuals. As with any new skincare or oral care product it is wise to patch test first and monitor how your skin or gums respond.

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