Mint Dårligst Irritant No known benefits Mint at a glance Mint’s a genus of plants, AKA Mentha Notable species include Mentha spicata (spearmint), Mentha x piperita (peppermint) Often contain volatile and sensitizing fragrant compounds Can cause short-and long-term skin irritation Mint description Mint, AKA Mentha, is a genus of plants often used in skin care and other cosmetics for its distinct flavor and scent. Some species in this genus are also used for their unique cooling sensation. Common species of Mentha used in the cosmetics industry include _Mentha spicata_ (spearmint), _Mentha_ x _piperita_ (peppermint) and _Mentha arvensis_ (corn mint). Like many other plant-derived compounds, some Mentha skin care ingredients have antioxidant properties that help protect skin from damaging environmental aggressors. However, most Mentha-derived ingredients also contain volatile aromatic compounds that can incur irritation and promote skin damage. Mentha canadensis and _Mentha_ x _piperita_ are also well known for their menthol content. Although menthol provides a unique cooling sensation, it’s a well-documented skin sensitizer. Menthol is used as a counter-irritant, a substance that causes greater irritation on skin, particularly to nerves within its surface, than whatever else is causing the irritant symptoms such as itching. Overall, fragrant ingredients, like those derived from Mentha species, aren’t worth the short-and long-term damage and irritation they can cause skin. Related ingredients: Mentha Piperita Mentha Arvensis Extract Menthol