Spearmint: The Original Mint
Mentha spicata. Peppermint's older, gentler sibling.
Where it comes from
Spearmint is the original mint, the one the Greeks and Romans actually had. It was named for its pointed, spear-shaped leaves, and it's been grown in kitchen gardens across Europe and the Middle East for well over 2,000 years. The Romans are credited with bringing it to Britain, and the Pilgrims brought it to North America. It's the mint in mint tea, mint sauce and most chewing gum. The oil is steam-distilled from the leaves, with the United States, China and India as the main producers.
What it does for skin
Spearmint has far less menthol than peppermint, so it gives you the fresh, clean character without the icy shock. It's a softer, sweeter mint that's easier on skin and adds a rounded freshness to a bar. We use it alongside peppermint so the mint in our bar has depth rather than just a sharp edge.
How it smells
Sweet, green and cool, like a fresh mint leaf rather than a candy cane. It sits behind the peppermint in our Eucalyptus Mint bar and rounds the whole thing out.
Good to know
If peppermint is too much for you but you still want a minty shower, spearmint is the answer. It's generally considered the milder of the two on skin.
