Horsemint oil (CAS 97952-61-9) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Green · Spicy

Horsemint oil

CAS 97952-61-9

Origin
natural
Note
Top to middle
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Horsemint oil?

Horsemint oil is a fragrant essential oil derived from the leaves of Monarda punctata, a wild mint native to North America. People encounter it in artisanal perfumes, aromatherapy blends, and natural insect repellents. This oil matters because it offers a unique herbal-minty aroma with subtle citrus undertones, distinct from common peppermint or spearmint oils. Its wild-harvested nature appeals to those seeking sustainable botanical ingredients.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Natural origin with traditional uses
⚠ Contains thymol – moderate skin sensitivity
CAS
97952-61-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Spicy
Key Constituents
Thymol
Thymol
Carvacrol
Carvacrol
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Horsemint oil Smell Like?

Horsemint oil bursts with an invigorating herbal-medicinal punch reminiscent of thyme meeting wild bergamot. The opening is sharply minty with phenolic edges that quickly soften into a warm, hay-like heart. Unlike cultivated mints, it carries earthy undertones of dried prairie grasses and a faint honeyed sweetness. The dry-down reveals subtle camphoraceous whispers that linger close to skin, creating a rustic aromatic profile perfect for wilderness-inspired fragrances.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Wild Coast(Province Apothecary, 2018)

Used for its rugged herbal character to evoke Canadian shorelines, blending with sea salt and driftwood notes. The thymol content adds antiseptic crispness.

Prairie(DSH Perfumes, 2012)

Horsemint provides the dry grassy top note in this tribute to American grasslands, contrasting with sweet clover and goldenrod absolutes.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Horsemint oil is chemically dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes, particularly thymol (30-60%) and carvacrol. These phenolic compounds share structural similarities with oregano oil constituents. The oil also contains p-cymene, γ-terpinene, and various sesquiterpenes. Unlike many mint oils, it contains minimal menthol. The exact composition varies significantly based on growing conditions and harvest time, with summer-harvested plants showing higher thymol content.

Chemical Composition

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearancePale yellow to amber liquid
Density0.92-0.96 g/cm³
Refractive Index1.498-1.512

Key Constituent Properties

ConstituentCASMWBP °CXLogPVapor P.
Thymol89-83-8150.22233 °C3.30.03 mmHg
Carvacrol499-75-2150.22237 °C3.30.02 mmHg

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good with woody and citrus notes
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used for herbal-aromatic accents
Aromatherapy1-3%Up to 10%Respiratory and antimicrobial blends

Classic Accords

+ Rosemary + Juniper = Herbal wilderness + Grapefruit + Vetiver = Modern aromatic

Tip: Balance thymol’s sharpness with sweet balsams or vanillin in masculine fragrances.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Oregano oil CAS 8007-11-2

Higher in carvacrol for more intense phenolic character. Use when stronger antiseptic notes are desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No specific restrictions under IFRA standards. Thymol content falls below restricted levels.

EU Allergen Declaration

Contains thymol (≥0.5%) requiring declaration under EU Cosmetics Regulation.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H317 Skin sensitization

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has evaluated thymol and carvacrol as main components. Safe at current usage levels.

Sustainability

Wild-harvested in North America with sustainable collection practices. Some commercial cultivation exists but limited. Synthetic thymol can substitute but lacks the full botanical complexity. Carbon footprint varies by harvest location and distillation methods.

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References

  1. Tucker, A.O. et al. (1991). Monarda punctata: Essential Oil Composition. Journal of Essential Oil Research. DOI 10.1080/10412905.1991.9697902

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 97952-61-9
Data Sources & Attribution
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.

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