NOW Spearmint Essential Oil, 100% Pure, 1 fl oz

What NOW Spearmint Oil is

NOW Essential Oils Spearmint is 100% pure spearmint essential oil, from Mentha spicata, steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops, in a 1 fl oz (30 mL) bottle. It is a single-ingredient oil for aromatherapy; for all other uses, the label says to carefully dilute it with a carrier oil. Its aroma is refreshing and minty. It costs $13.80. Free shipping in Puerto Rico on orders from $35, or pick it up at our store in Galería Paseos.

Its ingredients and what they do in the body

Spearmint (Mentha spicata). According to a review from India's Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (Mahendran and others, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021, PubMed 34087400), Mentha spicata is the plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) commonly called spearmint. The same review says it is cultivated worldwide for its aroma and commercial value, and that it is used to flavor foods. The scientific name is printed on the front of this bottle, which holds 1 fl oz (30 mL) of that oil at 100%, with no other ingredient.

Which part the oil comes from and what gives it its scent. The label says: «Extraction Method: Steam Distilled from leaves and flowering tops.» According to a review from Henan University of Technology (Zhang and others, Food & Function, 2022, PubMed 35212344), the molecules behind the aroma of spearmint oil are carvone, carveol, dihydrocarvone, dihydrocarveol and dihydrocarvyl acetate, and they are widely used in the flavors and fragrances industry.

Its aroma and what NOW says. NOW describes its aroma as «Aroma: Refreshing, minty.» and writes: «Benefits: Cooling, invigorating, stimulating.» These are the brand's words about the scent, for aromatherapy.

What sets it apart:

It is true spearmint, Mentha spicata, as the front says, not peppermint. The NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, “Peppermint Oil,” May 2025) explains that peppermint is a natural cross between water mint and spearmint, and it refers to the menthol in its oil; the Zhang review names carvone as a molecule of spearmint's aroma. They are two different plants and two different oils from the same group.

A single ingredient and purity. The label says «Ingredients: 100% pure spearmint oil.» and «Purity Tested/Quality Assured».

These explanations describe the plant, its oil and how it has been used according to the Mahendran and Zhang reviews, the NCCIH and the NOW label; they are not results measured with this product.

Label facts

How to use it

Suggested Use: For aromatherapy use. For all other uses, carefully dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba, grapeseed, olive, or almond oil prior to use. Please consult an essential oil book or other professional reference source for suggested dilution ratios.

Mixes Well With: bergamot oil, lavender oil, lime oil, rosemary oil.

Caution

• Natural essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used with care.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Avoid contact with eyes.
• If pregnant or lactating, consult your healthcare practitioner before using.
• Not for internal use.

Frequently asked questions

Is NOW spearmint oil pure?

Yes. The label says 100% pure: it is spearmint essential oil, Mentha spicata, steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops, with no other ingredient. The bottle holds 1 fl oz (30 mL).

What is spearmint essential oil used for?

The label indicates it for aromatherapy, for example in a diffuser. Its aroma is refreshing and minty, and NOW describes it as cooling, invigorating and stimulating.

Is spearmint the same as peppermint?

No. This bottle is spearmint (Mentha spicata). According to the NCCIH, peppermint is a natural cross between water mint and spearmint, and its oil contains menthol; spearmint's aroma comes from molecules such as carvone, according to the Zhang review.

Which oils does it mix well with?

The label says it mixes well with bergamot oil, lavender oil, lime oil and rosemary oil.

Can I put it on my skin?

For any use other than aromatherapy, the label says to carefully dilute it with a carrier oil such as jojoba, grapeseed, olive, or almond oil, and to consult an essential oil book for dilution ratios.

Can I take it by mouth?

No. The label says it is not for internal use. It also says to keep it out of reach of children and avoid contact with eyes.

Where can I buy spearmint oil in Puerto Rico?

At Borinquen Natural, for $13.80 per 1 fl oz bottle. Free shipping in Puerto Rico on orders from $35, or pick it up at our store in Galería Paseos.

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