Peppermint: The Cold Drink of Water

Mentha piperita. Not a wild plant at all, but a happy accident.

Where it comes from

Peppermint is a natural hybrid of watermint and spearmint that was first recorded in England in the late 1600s, though mint in general goes back to Egyptian tombs and Roman dinner tables. English peppermint from Mitcham, just south of London, was the gold standard for two centuries. Today the big producers are the United States (the Pacific Northwest, mostly) and India. The oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and is one of the most widely used essential oils in the world.

What it does for skin

Peppermint's menthol gives it a genuine cooling effect on skin, which is why it feels like a cold drink of water in the shower. It's traditionally been used for tired feet, hot summer skin and anything that needs waking up. In soap it brings that unmistakable tingle and a fresh, clarifying quality.

How it smells

Sharp, sweet and icy. It's the top note of our Eucalyptus Mint bar, the first thing you notice and the reason the bar is our most invigorating.

Good to know

The tingle is real. We keep the peppermint at a level that feels great on the body, but if you have very sensitive skin or you're using it on your face, go easy or reach for the Lavender + Rosemary bar instead.