Is There A Difference Between Peppermint Oil And Peppermint Essential Oil?
Defining Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves and flowering parts of the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita). It contains high concentrations of menthol, menthone, and other volatile compounds that give it a characteristic minty aroma and flavor. To produce peppermint oil, the leaves and flowers are put through a steam distillation process. The steam causes the plant’s volatile compounds to evaporate, which are then collected and condensed back into an oil. This oil is highly concentrated, with menthol making up 30-50% of its composition. Peppermint oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy, being valued for its invigorating and soothing properties. Today, peppermint oil has a wide variety of culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications.[1]
Defining Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is a concentrated extract derived from the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita). It is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of the peppermint plant through a process called steam distillation.
During steam distillation, the peppermint plant material is placed in a still and pressurized steam is passed through it. The steam causes the plant’s aromatic compounds like menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate to be released and carried away with the steam. The steam then cools and condenses back into liquid form, separating the plant material from the valuable peppermint essential oil.
This results in a highly concentrated peppermint essential oil that contains the plant’s most potent aromatic compounds. The concentration of these compounds is much higher in essential oil compared to peppermint leaves or other plant material. Peppermint essential oil is approximately 50-60% menthol, giving it very strong minty properties.
Sources:
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Peppermint-Oil
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peppermint-oil-benefits
Comparing Origins
Both peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil originate from the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita), a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. The oils are derived from different parts of the peppermint plant.
Peppermint oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the peppermint plant. The leaves and stems are put through a steam distillation process to extract the oil.
Peppermint essential oil, on the other hand, is extracted solely from the peppermint plant’s leaves and flowers. The leaves and flowers go through steam distillation or cold pressing to produce the essential oil.
So while both oils come from the peppermint plant, peppermint essential oil uses only the leaves and flowers while peppermint oil uses the leaves, stems and occasionally the whole plant. This results in some differences in composition and potency which we’ll explore more below.
Sources:
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
https://pompeiistreet.com/blogs/news/mint-essential-oils-similarities-and-differences
Comparing Uses
Peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil have many similar uses, but also some differences due to their varying chemical compositions.
Both peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil can be used topically to relieve muscle aches and pains. When applied to the skin, they provide a cooling sensation that relieves soreness and tension in muscles and joints (NCCIH).
Peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil can both also be used as flavorings and fragrances, adding a strong minty aroma and taste. They are commonly used in products like toothpastes, chewing gums, breath mints, soaps, and cosmetics (New Directions Aromatics).
However, peppermint essential oil is considered more versatile and effective for aromatherapy uses. Its higher menthol content makes it more suitable for diffusing to help clear sinuses or improve concentration (Gya Labs).
Peppermint oil can be taken internally in small doses, but peppermint essential oil should not be ingested due to its high potency. So peppermint oil is better suited for uses like dietary supplements or coatings for medications (NCCIH).
Comparing Composition
The chemical composition of peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil differs slightly. Peppermint oil is extracted from the whole peppermint plant and contains over 300 compounds, including menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, cineole, limonene, and carvone (Zhao, 2022). The main active constituent is menthol, which makes up 30-50% of peppermint oil (Beigi, 2018).
Peppermint essential oil, on the other hand, is distilled solely from the peppermint plant leaves and contains fewer constituents. The main components of peppermint essential oil are menthol (37-61%), menthone (10-32%), menthyl acetate (2-11%), and 1,8-cineol (3-6%) (Schmidt, 2009). Peppermint essential oil has a higher menthol content than peppermint oil.
In summary, while both contain menthol as the primary component, peppermint essential oil has a simpler chemical profile with fewer constituents compared to peppermint oil. Peppermint essential oil also has a higher concentration of menthol.
Comparing Potency
Peppermint essential oil is much more concentrated and potent than peppermint extract. Peppermint essential oil is typically 100% pure plant oil extracted from peppermint leaves, containing high levels of the active ingredient menthol. It is very concentrated and only small amounts are needed for use.
Peppermint extract is made by infusing peppermint leaves in alcohol, resulting in a diluted oil that contains approximately 25% peppermint oil. Since peppermint extract is diluted, significantly more needs to be used to achieve the same potency as pure peppermint essential oil. According to one source, peppermint essential oil can be up to 4 times more potent than peppermint extract (source).
Comparing Safety
Both peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil are considered safe when used properly, but some precautions should be taken. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil), peppermint oil appears to be safe when taken orally or applied topically in the commonly used doses. However, peppermint oil can cause side effects like heartburn, dry mouth, nausea, and headache in some people.
Peppermint essential oil is highly concentrated and can be toxic when ingested in large quantities. It should always be diluted before use on the skin to prevent irritation (https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-peppermint-oil). Both peppermint oil and essential oil can be unsafe for infants and young children. Peppermint essential oil is not recommended for use by pregnant women as it may promote menstruation. Overall, peppermint oil requires less dilution and may be safer for ingestion in small amounts, while peppermint essential oil should not be ingested and requires careful dilution before topical use.
Comparing Price
Peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil have some differences when it comes to typical cost and availability.
Peppermint oil is usually less expensive than peppermint essential oil. A 16 oz bottle of peppermint oil can be purchased for around $30 from suppliers like BulkNaturalOils. In contrast, a 16 oz bottle of peppermint essential oil may cost $40-60 from companies selling pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils like Nature In Bottle.
Both peppermint oil and essential oil can be purchased from specialty suppliers online. However, peppermint oil may be easier to find locally. It’s commonly sold in health food stores and co-ops, while peppermint essential oil is primarily available through online retailers.
When buying either oil, be sure to look for 100% pure oil from reputable brands. Avoid oils that seem abnormally cheap, as they may be diluted or contain synthetic substitutes.
How to Substitute
Peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil can often be used interchangeably in recipes, skin care, and aromatherapy. However, there are some differences to keep in mind when substituting one for the other:
- For cooking, replace 1 drop of peppermint essential oil with 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint oil. Peppermint essential oil is much more concentrated.
- For DIY beauty products, dilute peppermint essential oil before using on skin. 3 drops essential oil = 1 teaspoon carrier oil. Peppermint oil can typically be used undiluted.
- For aromatherapy and diffusion, use the same amount of either oil. Monitor scent carefully as essential oil is often more potent.
- For repelling insects, both can be effective options. Test each one to see which works better for your needs.
When in doubt, start with less of the stronger essential oil and increase as needed. Perform a skin test before widespread use. While substituting one for the other is generally fine, the purity and potency can vary.
Key Takeaways
Peppermint oil and peppermint essential oil have some key differences. Peppermint oil is extracted from the whole peppermint plant, while peppermint essential oil comes from just the leaves and stems. Peppermint oil is used more often in food and skincare products, while peppermint essential oil is preferred for aromatherapy and household cleaning. The composition differs as well – peppermint oil contains more menthol, giving it a stronger minty aroma and flavor. Peppermint essential oil has a higher concentration of trace compounds and aromatic molecules. Due to its potency, peppermint essential oil should always be diluted before topical use. Both can be used for a variety of applications, but peppermint essential oil packs a more powerful peppermint punch. Keep these differences in mind when deciding which oil best suits your needs.
