Spearmint oil, 60% (CAS 91770-24-0) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Green · Citrus

Spearmint oil, 60%

CAS 91770-24-0

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

What Is Spearmint oil, 60%?

Spearmint oil is a refreshing essential oil extracted from Mentha spicata leaves, commonly encountered in chewing gums, toothpaste, and herbal teas. Its crisp, sweet-mint character makes it instantly recognizable. This oil matters because it provides a gentler mint alternative to peppermint, with applications ranging from aromatherapy to flavoring. Its cooling sensation without excessive sharpness makes it versatile in both personal care and culinary products.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ GRAS status for food use
⚠ Potential skin sensitivity in high concentrations
CAS
91770-24-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Citrus
Key Constituents
L-Carvone
L-Carvone
Limonene
Limonene
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Spearmint oil, 60% Smell Like?

Spearmint oil bursts with a bright, herbaceous sweetness reminiscent of freshly crushed mint leaves in a summer garden. Unlike peppermint’s medicinal sharpness, it carries a softer, almost fruity undertone with whispers of apple and lime. The top note is an invigorating green rush that settles into a clean, slightly woody heart. Dry-down reveals subtle earthy tones that linger like mint tea leaves at the bottom of a cup. Its evolution is linear but pleasant, maintaining its characteristic freshness without becoming harsh or camphoraceous.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau de Minthe(Diptyque, 2019)

Uses spearmint as the star note, blending it with rose and patchouli to create a modern fougère. The oil’s natural sweetness balances the floral heart while maintaining freshness throughout the fragrance’s evolution.

Green Irish Tweed(Creed, 1985)

Incorporates spearmint in the opening accord to enhance its crisp, dewy character. The mint note works synergistically with violet leaves and sandalwood, contributing to the fragrance’s legendary freshness.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Spearmint oil’s primary constituent is L-carvone (60-70%), a monoterpene ketone responsible for its characteristic aroma. The oil also contains limonene, dihydrocarvone, and various terpene alcohols. Natural extraction typically occurs through steam distillation of flowering tops. The L-carvone enantiomer provides spearmint’s signature sweetness, while its D-form (found in caraway) has a completely different aroma profile. This chiral difference makes synthetic alternatives challenging to replicate perfectly.

Chemical Composition

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearancePale yellow to greenish liquid
Density0.92-0.94 g/cm³
Refractive Index1.485-1.491

Key Constituent Properties

ConstituentCASMWBP °CXLogPVapor P.
L-Carvone6485-40-1150.22230 °C2.40.1 mmHg
Limonene5989-27-5136.24176 °C4.31.5 mmHg

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Medium (1-2 hours)
Blending
Good with citrus and woody notes
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used for fresh top notes
Oral Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Provides refreshing flavor

Classic Accords

+ Citrus + Rosemary = Mediterranean freshness + Vanilla + Tonka = Mint gourmand

Tip: Use in citrus colognes to add dimensionality to bergamot and lemon notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Peppermint oil CAS 8006-90-4

Provides stronger cooling sensation when more intense mint character is desired. Contains higher menthol content.

2
Synthetic L-Carvone CAS 6485-40-1

Used when consistent odor profile is critical, though lacks the complexity of natural spearmint oil.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA standards. Generally recognized as safe for use in fragrances.

EU Allergen Declaration

Contains limonene which requires declaration above 100 ppm in leave-on products.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H317 May cause allergic skin reaction

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels. No significant concerns identified.

Sustainability

Spearmint is a renewable crop typically grown in temperate climates. Sustainable farming practices include crop rotation to maintain soil health. Steam distillation requires significant energy input but produces minimal waste. Some producers implement water recycling systems in distillation processes. Organic certification available for pesticide-free cultivation.

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References

  1. Lawrence, B.M. (2007). Mint Oils: Their Composition and Characteristics. Perfumer & Flavorist.
  2. PubChem Compound Summary for L-Carvone CID 7439

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 91770-24-0
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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