Spearmint absolute (CAS 8008-79-5) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Spearmint absolute
CAS 8008-79-5
What Is Spearmint absolute?
Spearmint absolute is a highly concentrated extract derived from spearmint leaves, often encountered in chewing gums, toothpastes, and herbal fragrances. Its crisp, refreshing scent makes it popular in products aiming for a clean, invigorating vibe. This ingredient matters because it provides a natural minty freshness without the harshness of synthetic alternatives, bridging herbal and sweet olfactory profiles in consumer goods.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Spearmint absolute Smell Like?
Spearmint absolute bursts with a vibrant, herbaceous freshness, like crushing mint leaves between your fingers under morning dew. The top note is a crisp, sweetly green spear of brightness, evolving into a heart that balances herbal sharpness with subtle fruity undertones. Dry-down reveals a soft, slightly woody base that lingers like a cool breeze through a summer garden. Unlike peppermint’s icy punch, spearmint feels sun-warmed and approachable—a verdant whisper rather than a shout.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Uses spearmint absolute for its luminous green character, contrasting with earthy patchouli to create a modern chypre with botanical freshness.
Spearmint’s fruity facets amplify geranium’s rosy aspects while adding cooling dimensionality to this barbershop-inspired composition.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Spearmint absolute primarily contains carvone (50-70%), the molecule responsible for its characteristic odor, along with limonene and other terpenes. Carvone exists as two enantiomers: R-(–)-carvone gives spearmint its aroma, while S-(+)-carvone smells like caraway. Natural extraction via solvent or CO2 methods preserves this chirality. The absolute form captures more hydrophilic compounds than essential oil, contributing to its rounded profile.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Viscous green liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds naturalistic green freshness |
| Functional Fragrances | 1-3% | Up to 10% | Mouthfeel-enhancing in oral care |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to soften harsh synthetic mint notes with natural complexity.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When stronger cooling effect is needed, though peppermint reads more medicinal than spearmint’s fruity-green character.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA standards.
EU Allergen Declaration
None at typical usage levels.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers spearmint absolute safe as currently used in fragrances.
Sustainability
Spearmint is widely cultivated with relatively low environmental impact. CO2 extraction methods reduce solvent waste compared to traditional absolutes. Some producers offer organic or wildcrafted options to support sustainable agriculture.
Explore Spearmint absolute
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Carvone CID 7439
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8008-79-5Odor & Flavor
| The volatile oil obtained by steam distillation from the fresh overground parts of the flowering plant of M. spicata L. The oil has an aromatic odor.📖 Fenaroli |
Regulatory Status
| IOFI Classification | Natural📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
![1-[5(Or 6)-Methyl-7(or 8)-(1-methylethyl)bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-2-yl]ethan-1-one (CAS 68259-33-6) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient](https://thegoodscents.company/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-5-1-768x439.webp)
![2-Ethoxy-4-[(1-methylethoxy)methyl] phenol (CAS 96840-56-1) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient](https://thegoodscents.company/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-ethoxy-4-1-2-768x439.webp)
