Derm DMs: What Should You Know About Peppermint Oil in Skin-Care?

Peppermint oil is found in some of our favorite skin-care products — from hydrating lip balms to moisturizers and more. While the ingredient has a sweet scent and feels addicting once applied, we wanted to know more about this ingredient . Ahead, we consulted with NYC-based dermatologist and Director of Clinical Research at Mount Sinai, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., for his insight on the minty additive. Here’s what he had to say.

Why Is Peppermint Oil Popular in Skin Care?

According to Dr. Zeichner, peppermint oil is popular in skin care because  it has such an uplifting fragrance and is often found in products that offer soothing or cooling benefits.

Is It Possible to Be Irritated by Peppermint Oil?

“Although there is data suggesting that peppermint oil has antimicrobial properties, depending on the formula you use, it may cause significant skin irritation,” says Dr. Zeichner. For example, you don’t want to put pure peppermint essential oil on your skin because it’s simply too potent. “Peppermint oils should not be applied in its pure form to the skin,” — so if you reach for products formulated with peppermint oil extracts  take note of how your skin reacts.

How to Incorporate Products with Peppermint Oil Into Your Skin-Care Routine

If you’re feeling like you need some more products formulated with peppermint oil in your skin-care routine (because of its smell), start with something simple like a moisturizer. Lush Pink Peppermint is a fluffy pink moisturizer that helps perk up tired  feet with a soft blend of peppermint and spearmint oil, cocoa butter and arnica. If you are looking for the perfect pepperminty fragrance, try a hydrating mint lip conditioner, like the Kiehl’s Mint Lip Balm.

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