Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil

Peppermint oil is used as a flavoring and fragrance in personal care products and in foods.

Skin contact with peppermint oil is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing peppermint oil should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient. If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or retailer, or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

The avoidance of fragrances and flavoring agents such as peppermint oil can be difficult since so many everyday products contain these substances. Individuals allergic to peppermint oil often have sensitivity to other fragrances and flavorings, so it is recommended that you should use only fragrance-free cosmetics and household products. “Unscented” products may contain low levels of a fragrance to cover up an undesirable odor so should also be avoided. Products labeled as “hypoallergenic” do not assure that the product is truly free of fragrance

Direct contact with foods or products containing peppermint oil may cause symptoms including burning, irritation, and redness. Direct contact may occur on the skin, lips, or mouth. Although it is rare since some fragrances are also flavors, foods that contain peppermint oil can cause flare-ups of dermatitis in fragrance-sensitive individuals. If your health care provider has diagnosed you with oral or lip allergies to fragrances or flavorings, you should avoid foods prepared with peppermint oil.

• Perfumes/Colognes/After-shaves/Toilet water

• Essential oils

• Skin care Products/Cosmetics

   -- Antiperspirants/Deodorants

   -- Hair sprays, gels, tonics, and lotions

   -- Soaps/Cleansers

   -- Shampoos/Conditioners

   -- Moisturizers

   -- Make-ups

   -- Powders/Sprays

   -- Sunscreens

   -- Lip balm

• Topical medications (prescription and over the counter) 

   -- Anesthetics

   -- Antiseptics

   -- Creams, Ointments, Solutions

   -- Foot And Other Powders 

   -- Nasal Decongestants

   -- Herbal remedies, including Traditional Chinese Medications, teas and       

       liquid  extracts

   -- Wound Dressings

   -- Dietary supplements

• Household products 

   -- Air Fresheners/Aromatherapy/Potpourri

   -- Cleaning Products/Soaps/Detergents (A preferred household cleaner for

       fragrance allergic individuals is dilute white vinegar) 

   -- Furniture polish 

   -- Laundry care (detergent, softeners)

• Insecticides

• Foods flavorings

   -- Candies 

   -- Gum 

   -- Beverages

   -- Spice 

   -- Ice cream 

• Oral Care Products as a flavoring 

   -- Cough mixtures

   -- Toothpaste/Mouthwash 

   -- Teeth whitener 

   -- Throat tablets and lozenges 

•  Balsam of Peru 

•  Rosin 

•  Turpentine oil 

•  Wood 

•  Other fragrances

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