Spearmint oil

Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil

Gives a tightening feel.

In the Essential oils group In the Fragrance group In the Fragrance allergens group

What it is

An essential oil obtained from the leaves and tops of the spearmint plant. EU rules require it to be named on the label when present above set levels.

Gives the product a minty scent and acts as an astringent that helps tighten the skin.

A short summary from the dictionary, not yet an in-depth article. About these entries

What it does in a formula

Gives a tightening feelOfficial EU function: Astringent

Keeps skin in good conditionOfficial EU function: Skin conditioning

Adds scentOfficial EU function: Fragrance

Why some people watch for it

Essential oils

Essential oils are plant fragrance. People who avoid fragrance often avoid them too, and some find them irritating on sensitive skin.

Fragrance

Some people prefer unscented products, and people with sensitive skin often look for fragrance because it is one of the ingredient types most often linked to skin reactions.

Fragrance allergens

The EU singles out these substances because some people are allergic to them. People who know they react to one can use this list to check a label.

A group is a fact about the ingredient, not a judgement of it.

What official sources say

Worth knowing · Cosmetics, EU

A fragrance allergen: EU labels must name it above 0.001 % in leave-on and 0.01 % in rinse-off products.

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III: list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down (CosIng), retrieved 2026-10-09

A label gives no amounts, so none of this says a product is unsafe.