When you hear the word "peppermint" what do you think of? Tea? Sweets? Peppermint is so much more than just a beloved food flavour — peppermint is used widely in cosmeceuticals, from hair care to acne reduction, and can even help with headaches! Let's dive into this fresh Ingredient Highlight: Peppermint!
Like many botanicals still used in cosmetics today, peppermint has been used in varying forms since ancient times. That sharp, crisp smell and taste comes from the menthol component found so commonly within other members of the mint family. Peppermint is widely used in both extract and essential oil form, celebrated for the many interesting uses it has come to serve.
Like other essential oils, peppermint oil is too harsh to apply to skin directly. Mix with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, or any number of others.
Uses
If you thought our previous Ingredient Highlight: Chamomile was versatile, peppermint is just as talented! It is used to help treat a variety of issues and symptoms, including and certainly not limited to:
- Skin conditions
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Scalp and hair care
- Colds and the flu
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Dandruff
- Some muscle pain
This herb is as multi-talented as they come! Now let's look next at some of the benefits of using peppermint extract and oil.
Benefits
Peppermint is capable of a lot, but where it really shines is in hair and skin care. Let's take a look at some of the many benefits of using peppermint oil or extract in cosmetics!
- Antiseptic
- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cooling
- Reduces redness
- Limits oil secretion
- Fights acne
Peppermint is a hair care superstar! The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits can help reduce dandruff by minimising dryness and itchiness. Peppermint can also help strengthen hair roots, which can lead to less hair loss!
And as you can see, peppermint is a strong fighter when it comes to acne, too. It's antimicrobial properties help treat bacteria that may lead to acne, and the anti-inflammatory and cooling benefits help soothe and calm related redness. That's why we include Peppermint Extract in our Compact Cushion foundation formulas — you can find "Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract" on the ingredient list of both the Glow and Matte Compact Cushion Foundations!
Side Effects
Like every other herb, flower, extract or oil, it is totally possible to be allergic. You may have an allergy if you experience burning, peeling, itching, stinging, or otherwise unusual redness.
Peppermint can also interact or interfere with other medications and supplements, so we recommend asking your doctor before using peppermint products.
Just because something is safe for adults, does not mean it is safe for children. Using peppermint on the face of a child could lead to potentially serious breathing problems.
And as always, if you want to use peppermint in it's essential oil form, always dilute with a carrier oil before topical application!
Peppermint is another super herb that has been used since ancient times — and for good reason! Peppermint has been proved time and time again to be useful in so many different categories. But what we love it for most are all of the rich benefits is provides to the realm of hair and skin care! Peppermint can aid in strengthening hair roots, reducing acne, and let's not forget...it does make a pretty fantastic hot chocolate ingredient, too! Just please remember that peppermint oil should never be consumed and only used topically, of course, and you're good to go.
There are limitless ways to love peppermint! Leave us a comment telling us one of YOUR favourite ways to use this oh-so-fantastic herb, and we'll see you soon with the next Ingredient Highlight!
Happy reading,
The Lava Art team
