Mint

What Does It Smell Like?

Mint smells like a sharp, cool breath of freshness—imagine crushing fresh spearmint leaves between your fingers on a summer afternoon. It's simultaneously sweet and peppery, with a tingling, almost icy sensation that makes your nose feel alert and awake. There's a green, slightly herbal quality beneath the coolness, reminiscent of toothpaste and chewing gum, but far more sophisticated and natural. It's the olfactory equivalent of splashing cold water on your face.

Origin & History

Mint comes primarily from the Mentha plant family, native to Mediterranean and temperate regions worldwide. Spearmint and peppermint are the most common fragrance sources. Essential oils are extracted through steam distillation of fresh or dried leaves, releasing the aromatic compounds—chiefly menthol and menthone. Synthetically, menthol can be derived from natural sources or created through chemical synthesis. The ingredient has been treasured for millennia; ancient Egyptians and Greeks used mint in medicines and rituals. Today, it remains a cornerstone of fresh fragrances, particularly in men's and unisex compositions.

In Perfumery

Mint functions as a top or heart note, providing immediate freshness and brightness. Perfumers deploy it to enliven compositions, create contrast, and add a cooling, invigorating quality. It's often paired with citrus for amplified freshness or with woody bases for herbal sophistication. Even small amounts significantly impact a fragrance's character.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 153 Fragrances