What is the IFRA and allergen status of this peppermint oil?
Under the 51st Amendment of the IFRA Code of Practice, peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) is a restricted material because of its natural pulegone content. IFRA 51 sets a pulegone limit of 100% in Category 12 (mouth-care products) — expressed as a restriction on the finished-product category — while all other categories are unrestricted. This means peppermint is safe for general fragrance use, but oral-care applications must respect the pulegone ceiling.
IFRA 51 Status
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Cat 1-11 (lip, skin care, fine fragrance, home care) | Not restricted |
| Cat 12 (mouth care: toothpaste, mouthwash) | Restricted — pulegone ≤100% (in effect a quality gate on the oil itself) |
EU Allergen Declaration (EU 1223/2009 Annex III)
- Peppermint oil itself is not an Annex III-listed allergen
- The INCI name MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) OIL is used on cosmetic labels
- Natural constituents such as limonene and linalool can trigger Annex III labelling if present above thresholds — our allergen statement reports these levels per batch
Pulegone Compliance in Finished Products
- EU flavouring regulation 1334/2008: pulegone limited to 100 mg/kg in flavoured beverages and 250 mg/kg in some confectionery categories (final product)
- Because our lots release with pulegone ≤4% in the oil (typical far lower), finished products at normal flavouring levels comply comfortably
- Documentation: per-batch IFRA compliance certificate and allergen declaration provided with every shipment
Relate Products
This article was published on 2026-09-07, and last updated on 2026-09-07. The article will be continuously updated.
