Peppermint oil, terpeneless (CAS 68606-97-3) — Spicy Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Spicy · Green

Peppermint oil, terpeneless

CAS 68606-97-3

Origin
natural
Note
Top to Middle
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Peppermint oil, terpeneless?

Peppermint oil, terpeneless is a refined version of peppermint essential oil with certain components removed to reduce volatility and enhance specific olfactory characteristics. It’s commonly found in chewing gums, toothpaste, and aromatherapy products. This ingredient matters because it provides a longer-lasting minty freshness without the harshness of raw peppermint oil, making it ideal for products requiring sustained scent profiles.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Use diluted – can cause irritation in high concentrations
CAS
68606-97-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Spicy · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Peppermint oil, terpeneless Smell Like?

Terpeneless peppermint oil offers a crisp, clean mint aroma with reduced camphoraceous notes. The scent evolves from an initial sharp, almost icy freshness to a smoother, sweeter heart with subtle herbal undertones. Unlike regular peppermint oil, the dry-down is more stable and less medicinal, lingering as a soft minty whisper rather than fading abruptly.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Cool Water(Davidoff, 1988)

Used to enhance the fresh aquatic top notes, providing a bracing minty lift that complements the marine accord.

L'Eau d'Issey(Issey Miyake, 1992)

Adds a crisp, clean mint facet to the citrus top, creating a more dynamic freshness.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Terpeneless peppermint oil is produced by removing the monoterpene hydrocarbons (like limonene and pinenes) from regular peppermint oil through fractional distillation or solvent extraction. This process increases the relative concentration of oxygenated compounds like menthol and menthone, which are responsible for the characteristic minty aroma. The result is a more stable and longer-lasting fragrance material.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceClear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol and oils, insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to Middle
Volatility
Medium (1-3 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Adds fresh top notes
Oral Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Provides lasting freshness

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to add a clean minty lift without the harshness of regular peppermint oil.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Menthol CAS 89-78-1

When a stronger, more medicinal mint character is desired.

2
Spearmint oil CAS 8008-79-5

For a sweeter, less sharp mint profile.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not restricted by IFRA.

EU Allergen Declaration

None

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safety at current usage levels.

Sustainability

Peppermint is a renewable resource, but terpeneless production creates additional waste streams. Some producers recover the removed terpenes for other uses.

Explore Peppermint oil, terpeneless

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References

  1. PubChem Peppermint Oil PubChem

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 68606-97-3
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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