Peppermint Essential Oil

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about peppermint essential oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: ORY^® uses peppermint essential oil mainly as a fragrance ingredient. Some studies on this page tested it in animals, in the lab, by inhalation (aromatherapy), or for medical conditions. FDA treats claims that a product relieves anxiety or stress-related conditions, helps you sleep, eases pain, or treats any condition as drug claims, so ORY^® does not make them.

Cooling, not pain relief: Menthol is an FDA-regulated pain-relief and anti-itch drug ingredient. ORY^® uses peppermint oil for scent and a cooling feel and does not claim it relieves pain, itching, or headaches, or grows hair.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. Essential oils in cosmetics are regulated as fragrance ingredients. Industry safety limits are set by IFRA Standards, based on safety assessments by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that peppermint-derived ingredients are safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; its original report limited pulegone to 1% or less.

Citations:

• • Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., et al. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1–S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014
    • What it shows: RIFM safety evaluation criteria.
  • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA Standards.
  • Johnson, W., Jr., et al. (2023). Amended safety assessment of Mentha piperita (peppermint)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 42(3 Suppl), 117S–143S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; the original 2001 report limited pulegone to 1% or less). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231205837
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Menthol produces cooling by activating the skin’s cold receptor (TRPM8).

Citations:

• • Patel, T., Ishiuji, Y., & Yosipovitch, G. (2007). Menthol: A refreshing look at this ancient compound. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 57(5), 873–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.008
    • What it shows: Review of menthol.
  • McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research, 20(8), 619–633. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1900
    • What it shows: Review of peppermint.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. It can sting sensitive skin. The European Medicines Agency advises against peppermint oil in children under 2 because menthol can cause breathing reflexes to stop briefly.

Citations:

• • European Medicines Agency. European Union herbal monograph on Mentha × piperita L., aetheroleum (peppermint oil), Revision 1 (not for use in children under 2 years because menthol can cause reflex apnoea and laryngospasm). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-mentha-x-piperita-l-aetheroleum-revision-1_en.pdf
    • What it shows: EMA peppermint oil monograph.
  • Johnson, W., Jr., et al. (2023). Amended safety assessment of Mentha piperita (peppermint)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 42(3 Suppl), 117S–143S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; the original 2001 report limited pulegone to 1% or less). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231205837
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. In a mouse study, peppermint oil increased hair growth. This is animal research, and hair-growth claims are drug claims, so ORY^® does not make them.

Citations:

• • Oh, J. Y., Park, M. A., & Kim, Y. C. (2014). Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without toxic signs. Toxicological Research, 30(4), 297–304. https://doi.org/10.5487/TR.2014.30.4.297
    • What it shows: Mouse study.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
    • What it shows: FDA hair-growth rule.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. A controlled study applied peppermint oil to the forehead for headache, a medical use; menthol’s pain-relief and anti-itch uses are regulated as OTC drug uses. Claims about mood, stress, or sleep are drug claims under FDA rules, so ORY^® describes only the scent.

Citations:

• • Göbel, H., Schmidt, G., & Soyka, D. (1994). Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia, 14(3), 228–234. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.1994.014003228.x
    • What it shows: Headache study (a medical use).
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. OTC Monograph M017 — External analgesic drug products for over-the-counter human use (menthol as a topical analgesic/antipruritic at 0.1–1% and counterirritant at 1.25–16%). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/monographs/OTC%20Monograph_M017-External%20Analgesic%20Drug%20Products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2005.02.2023.pdf
    • What it shows: FDA external analgesic rules.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aromatherapy (claims that a product will relieve colic, ease pain, relax muscles, treat depression or anxiety, or help you sleep are drug claims). https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy
    • What it shows: FDA on aromatherapy claims.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. Face and lip levels are kept low.

Citations:

• • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA category limits.
  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Dermal limits reference.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
    • What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Scent and tradition are well documented; health benefits are not established for cosmetic use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Reference.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Children. Not on or near the face of children.
  • Stinging. Low facial levels.
  • Pulegone and menthofuran. Quality oil required.
  • Pets. Harmful to cats and dogs.
  • Fragrance allergens. Limonene and linalool (trace) must be declared on EU labels above set levels; FDA’s U.S. allergen-labeling rule is not yet final.
  • Oxidation. Old oils are more likely to cause allergy.

Citations:

• • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens (expanded list; new products from July 31, 2026; existing products until July 31, 2028). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545/oj
    • What it shows: EU allergen labeling.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
    • What it shows: U.S. MoCRA status.
  • European Medicines Agency. European Union herbal monograph on Mentha × piperita L., aetheroleum (peppermint oil), Revision 1 (not for use in children under 2 years because menthol can cause reflex apnoea and laryngospasm). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-mentha-x-piperita-l-aetheroleum-revision-1_en.pdf
    • What it shows: Children.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Never apply essential oils undiluted; ORY^® always dilutes them in a carrier or product base.
  • Keep away from the eyes, children, and pets; many essential oils are harmful to cats and dogs.
  • Store tightly closed away from heat and light. Oxidized (old) oils are more likely to cause allergy.
  • If you have a known fragrance allergy, check the ingredient list before use.
  • Do not use on or near the face of infants or young children.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a healthcare provider before use.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Dermal safety reference.
  • European Medicines Agency. European Union herbal monograph on Mentha × piperita L., aetheroleum (peppermint oil), Revision 1 (not for use in children under 2 years because menthol can cause reflex apnoea and laryngospasm). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-mentha-x-piperita-l-aetheroleum-revision-1_en.pdf
    • What it shows: Children.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Scented soap may bother sensitive skin. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., et al. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1–S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014
  • Göbel, H., Schmidt, G., & Soyka, D. (1994). Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia, 14(3), 228–234. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.1994.014003228.x
  • Johnson, W., Jr., et al. (2023). Amended safety assessment of Mentha piperita (peppermint)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 42(3 Suppl), 117S–143S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; the original 2001 report limited pulegone to 1% or less). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231205837
  • McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research, 20(8), 619–633. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1900
  • Oh, J. Y., Park, M. A., & Kim, Y. C. (2014). Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without toxic signs. Toxicological Research, 30(4), 297–304. https://doi.org/10.5487/TR.2014.30.4.297
  • Patel, T., Ishiuji, Y., & Yosipovitch, G. (2007). Menthol: A refreshing look at this ancient compound. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 57(5), 873–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.008
  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414

Government and regulatory sources

• • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aromatherapy (claims that a product will relieve colic, ease pain, relax muscles, treat depression or anxiety, or help you sleep are drug claims). https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy
  • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens (expanded list; new products from July 31, 2026; existing products until July 31, 2028). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545/oj
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. OTC Monograph M017 — External analgesic drug products for over-the-counter human use (menthol as a topical analgesic/antipruritic at 0.1–1% and counterirritant at 1.25–16%). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/monographs/OTC%20Monograph_M017-External%20Analgesic%20Drug%20Products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2005.02.2023.pdf
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
  • European Medicines Agency. European Union herbal monograph on Mentha × piperita L., aetheroleum (peppermint oil), Revision 1 (not for use in children under 2 years because menthol can cause reflex apnoea and laryngospasm). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-mentha-x-piperita-l-aetheroleum-revision-1_en.pdf
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20