Ingredient decoder

Spearmint oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Minty essential oil that can irritate sensitive skin.

  • Astringent
  • Masking
  • Skin conditioning

Spearmint oil in plain English

Spearmint oil is an essential oil from spearmint leaves with a sweet, minty scent and a milder cooling feel than peppermint. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. If your acne-prone skin is easily irritated, unscented products are the safer pick.

Is spearmint oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Spearmint oil is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil
  • Spearmint leaf oil
  • Mentha spicata oil
  • Mentha spicata leaf oil
  • Mentha viridis leaf oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is spearmint oil comedogenic?

Spearmint oil has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does spearmint oil do in skincare?

In short: minty essential oil that can irritate sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for astringent, masking and skin conditioning.

What else is spearmint oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, spearmint oil can also appear as Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Spearmint leaf oil, Mentha spicata oil, Mentha spicata leaf oil or Mentha viridis leaf oil.

Sources