Spearmint Essential Oil

*Hazards: Skin sensitization (low risk); mucous membrane irritation (low risk).
Maximum dermal use level: 1.7%

Our Safety Advice
We recommend a dermal maximum of 1.7%, based on 71.6% (-)-carvone content, and a dermal limit of 1.2%. We recommend a human daily oral maximum dose of 12.5 mg/kg for carvone isomers (see Carvone profile, Chapter 14), which is effectively not restrictive.

Regulatory Guidelines
Has GRAS status. The IFRA standard for either isomer of carvone in leave-on products such as body lotions is 1.2%, for skin sensitization. The Council of Europe (1992) has set an ADI of 1 mg/kg for carvone (isomer not specified). This is equivalent to a daily dose of 90-115 mg of spearmint oil (depending on (-)-carvone content) for an adult, or approximately three drops.
*Essential oil safety: a guide for health care professionals Robert Tisserand-Rodney Young-Elisabeth Williamson – Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier – 2014 (p. 428)

Our Recommendations:  If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have liver or kidney dysfunction, consult your physician before use. Avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and sensitive skin. Keep out of reach of children.

If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (If it is not already diluted, dilute with a carrier oil).

Store in a covered or dark, airtight container in the refrigerator or cool area for longest shelf life.