
Mint is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It includes many varieties, most of which are cultivated as aromatic or medicinal plants. Known for its freshness, this plant contains between 40% and 80% menthol, a very fresh and aromatic compound. Mint first appeared in the world of perfumery in the middle of the 19th century, thanks to Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain who created a fresh water with mint note for Empress Eugenie to relieve her from her headaches.
Today, two varieties are mostly used in compositions. The most widespread is peppermint, which contains a large quantity of menthol with a very fresh and aromatic, almost “cold”, scent. As for spearmint, it has a much more herbaceous and vegetal scent. These notes bring a real touch of freshness to aromatic and oriental compositions.