Mint Spicata 60 Carvone: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: July 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available standards from The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Mint Spicata 60 Carvone?

Mint Spicata 60 Carvone is a purified spearmint oil that has been standardized so that roughly sixty percent of its make-up is carvone, the molecule responsible for classic spearmint character. The material is supplied by DSM-Firmenich, a global fragrance house known for consistent quality, yet other suppliers do offer similar spearmint fractions under different trade names.

The oil comes from spearmint leaves that are cut, allowed to wilt for a short period then treated with water or steam. The vapour carries the aromatic molecules into a condenser where the oil separates from the water on its own. No extra solvents are needed, making the process straightforward and in line with common essential-oil production.

At room temperature you will see a clear mobile liquid, usually colourless to light yellow. It pours easily and blends without trouble into most perfume bases as well as household products.

Because spearmint is grown worldwide the ingredient is not hard to source. The Yakima Valley in Washington state is especially prized for a clean, sweet quality that tends to fetch a little more respect from perfumers than commodity grades from larger farms in Asia.

When stored tightly closed in a cool dark spot the oil generally keeps its freshness for two to three years before it begins to lose brightness. Oxidation shows up first as a dull, harsh note so most labs fill smaller working bottles and protect the bulk drum with nitrogen to slow that change.

From a budgeting view Mint Spicata 60 Carvone sits in the mid range. It is not as cheap as standard spearmint oil yet far from the cost of rare florals or animalic notes, which means it can appear in fine fragrance as well as mainstream body care without breaking the bank.

Mint Spicata 60 Carvone’s Scent Description

This material lives in the aromatic family, the group that covers herbs and culinary greens. On a blotter it opens with a vivid spearmint burst that feels cool but not icy. The sweetness of the carvone is quickly joined by a leafy green facet that hints at crushed garden mint. Underneath you may catch a soft woody nuance and a light citrus sparkle that keeps the accord bright rather than sugary.

Perfumers talk about top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the first impression, middle notes form the heart and base notes give depth. Mint Spicata 60 Carvone sits firmly in the top zone yet it has enough body to shade into the early heart. Expect the loudest mint wave to last fifteen to twenty minutes, after which a gentle herbal sweetness clings to the mouillette for another hour before fading to a faint dry trace.

Projection is lively at first, radiating a clear arm’s length. As the volatile parts drift off the scent settles close to the surface. Total longevity on blotter is roughly two hours, respectable for a mint note that naturally wants to fly away.

How & Where To Use Mint Spicata 60 Carvone

Perfumers pull out this spearmint fraction when they want brisk freshness without the cold bite of menthol. It slots neatly into fougère, citrus cologne, herbal spa blends and gourmand accords that need a minty lift. Because the most obvious mint note fades quickly it pairs well with longer lasting green or woody materials that keep the idea alive after the top has flown.

At trace levels around 0.05 % it behaves like a sweet leafy accent, giving sparkle to bergamot or grapefruit. From 0.2 % to 1 % the classic chewing gum character appears, perfect for modern masculine or unisex builds. Push it toward 3 % in shower gel or detergent bases and you get a clear spearmint headline that smells clean yet non-mentholic.

Overuse is risky. Above 5 % in fine fragrance the note can feel plasticky and will crowd delicate florals. In functional products high levels may clash with dye or bleach systems leaving a harsh after-smell. Always start low and creep up, smelling the blend on a strip and on skin to judge persistence.

Mint Spicata 60 Carvone blends straightforwardly in alcohol or dipropylene glycol. Many labs keep a 10 % pre-dilution ready for quick trials which also helps prevent nose fatigue during composition. The oil oxidises if exposed to air so purge the working bottle with nitrogen or argon after each use and store it tight and cool.

When building accords consider supporting materials such as iso E super, cedarwood fractions or basil oil to bridge the top to the heart. A tiny touch of vanilla smooths the herb edge and extends the sweet profile. Avoid pairing with strong peppermint or menthol unless you want a dental-care effect.

Safely Information

Always dilute this ingredient before smelling it. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle. Work in a well-ventilated space to keep vapour levels low and wear gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes.

Like many essential-oil derivatives Mint Spicata 60 Carvone can cause skin irritation or sensitisation in some people. Brief encounters at low concentration are generally safe yet prolonged or repeated exposure to higher doses may lead to headaches or respiratory discomfort. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before handling aroma materials.

Wash spills promptly with soap and plenty of water. Do not pour leftovers down the drain, instead collect them in a sealed container for chemical waste disposal according to local regulations.

Always refer to the most recent safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and review it regularly as classifications can change. Follow International Fragrance Association guidelines for maximum use levels in each product type to ensure consumer safety.

How To Store & Dispose of Mint Spicata 60 Carvone

Keep this spearmint fraction in tightly closed glass or aluminum bottles placed in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or direct sun. Refrigeration is optional yet valuable if you expect the stock to sit for longer than a year.

Choose caps lined with polycone inserts for both neat oil and dilutions. These create a flexible seal that prevents slow evaporation and oxygen creep, issues that are common with dropper tops or cork stoppers. Fill containers as full as practical or decant remaining liquid into smaller bottles so that very little headspace is left.

Label every bottle with the full trade name, date of receipt, the percent of carvone if known and the main hazard phrases copied from the safety data sheet. A clear label saves time during formulation and helps first responders in case of an accident.

If the oil oxidises or you simply no longer need it, never pour it down the sink. Despite being largely biodegradable it can upset aquatic life when dumped in quantity. Collect unwanted material in a dedicated waste jar, seal it, then hand it to a licensed chemical disposal service or a community hazardous-waste drop-off. Soaked wipes or paper should be bagged before going in the trash to stop lingering vapours.

Summary

Mint Spicata 60 Carvone is a steam-distilled spearmint oil refined so that about sixty percent of it is carvone, the sweet mint molecule loved by perfumers. On skin or blotter it opens with bright chewing-gum freshness, settles into a gentle herbal heart and vanishes cleanly without menthol chill.

The ingredient shines in fougère, citrus cologne, spa and gourmand accords where it gives lift and approachability. It costs more than commodity spearmint yet remains affordable for fine fragrance, body wash and home care lines. Stability is good for two to three years if oxygen and heat are kept low, but the note dulls once oxidation sets in.

DSM-Firmenich supplies the branded grade in drums or pails for industrial users while many third-party resellers offer smaller packs and generic equivalents suitable for hobbyists or pilot batches. Whether you are polishing a commercial brief or experimenting at the bench, this high-carvone spearmint remains a reliable tool for adding cheerful green sparkle.

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