Mentha arvensis oil, terpeneless (CAS 68917-14-6) — Green Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Green · Spicy

Mentha arvensis oil, terpeneless

CAS 68917-14-6

Origin
natural
Note
Top
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Mentha arvensis oil, terpeneless?

Mentha arvensis oil, terpeneless is a refined version of Japanese mint oil with most terpenes removed. You’ll encounter it in chewing gums, toothpaste, and some herbal fragrances. This processing creates a smoother, more concentrated mint character than regular mint oils.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ GRAS for food applications
⚠ Avoid undiluted skin contact
CAS
68917-14-6
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Spicy
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Mentha arvensis oil, terpeneless Smell Like?

A crisp, piercing mintiness without the harsh edges of unprocessed oils. Imagine frozen peppermint leaves crushed between frosted glass – all the icy freshness but none of the green bitterness. The terpeneless process amplifies the cooling menthol effect while muting the camphorous undertones, leaving a pure, almost metallic mint that lingers like winter air in your sinuses.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Cool Water(Davidoff, 1988)

Provides the bracing mint top note that makes this aquatic classic feel like an Arctic breeze. The terpeneless version ensures longevity without overwhelming the delicate marine accord.

Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca(Guerlain, 1999)

Forms the crystalline mint heart that mimics morning dew on crushed herbs. Its purity allows the green tea and lemon to shine through.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Produced by distilling Mentha arvensis (corn mint) followed by fractional distillation or molecular distillation to remove α-pinene, limonene and other terpenes. This concentrates the oxygenated compounds like menthol (typically 70-90% remaining) while reducing the oil’s volatility. The process also eliminates some of the harsher sulfur compounds found in crude mint oils.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good with citrus, problematic with florals
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Oral Care0.5-2%Up to 5%Provides cooling without bitterness
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used sparingly for lift

Classic Accords

Tip: Pre-dilute to 10% in ethanol to prevent crystallization in final products.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Mentha piperita oil terpeneless CAS 8006-90-4

Peppermint-derived with sweeter, more rounded profile. Use when a less aggressive mint is desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA standards.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

Considered safe at current usage levels by RIFM. No significant dermal absorption concerns.

Sustainability

Most commercial production occurs in India and China, where mint is grown as an annual crop requiring significant water resources. The terpeneless process reduces shipping weight by removing volatile components, but requires additional energy inputs for fractional distillation. Synthetic menthol alternatives exist but lack the complexity of the full oil profile.

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References

  1. Lawrence, B.M. (2007). Mint: The Genus Mentha. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420006186

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 68917-14-6
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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