Which is more effective: peppermint essential oil or extract in shampoo?

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has become a common star in hair care products thanks to its fresh scent, revitalizing properties, and its potential to stimulate the scalp. Shampoos, conditioners, and hair loss treatments frequently rely on this plant.

However, it's important to distinguish between two very different forms of peppermint: essential oil and extract. Both come from the same species, but they differ significantly in terms of concentration, method of extraction, and intensity of effects.

So when choosing a peppermint-based hair product —whether it's a dropper bottle oil or a shampoo mixed with rosemary and mint— one specific question is worth asking: which one is truly more effective for hair care?

What’s the difference between peppermint essential oil and extract?

Though these two terms often appear interchangeably on product labels, peppermint essential oil and peppermint extract are not the same. Essential oil is obtained through steam distillation, a process that captures the most volatile compounds of the plant.

Among them, menthol stands out. It’s the component responsible for the cooling sensation on the skin, and it also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and vasodilating properties.

Peppermint extract, on the other hand, is made by soaking the plant in a solvent —typically alcohol or glycerin. This method draws out a broader range of plant compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins.

Although the resulting extract is less concentrated and has a milder aroma than the essential oil, it retains antioxidant and soothing properties. Its effect is gentler, making it a good option for people looking to maintain scalp health without using overly strong ingredients.

How do they work in hair products? Real examples from the market

Today’s market offers many hair products featuring peppermint in either of its forms. For instance, the "Peppermint Rosemary Hair Regrowth and Anti Hair Loss Shampoo" uses botanical extracts of peppermint and rosemary.

This shampoo doesn't specify the concentration of its active ingredients but is formulated for daily use and general scalp maintenance. Its gentle formulation is suitable for users who prefer a subtle sensory experience with minimal risk of irritation.

On the other hand, products like "Handcraft Peppermint Essential Oil" and "Cliganic Peppermint Essential Oil" are designed for more personalized, intensive use. These come in dropper bottles and must be diluted in carrier oils before being applied to the scalp. This format allows users to benefit from menthol’s potency to activate scalp microcirculation, a mechanism believed to stimulate hair follicles.

There are also hybrid options like "Ethereal Nature 100% Natural Blend Oil", which contains pre-diluted peppermint essential oil in a vegetable oil base. This enables more straightforward application, even for those unfamiliar with DIY formulations.

Another noteworthy product is "Peppermint Essential Oil for Hair" —while marketed as an essential oil, it includes clear instructions for mixing it with other oils or shampoos. The emphasis is on its scalp-stimulating potential, attributed to its menthol content.

What does the science say about its effectiveness?

In 2014, a Korean study published in Toxicological Research evaluated peppermint essential oil’s effects on hair growth. The experiment involved mice over a four-week period.

Four groups received different topical solutions: 3% peppermint essential oil, 3% minoxidil (an FDA-approved alopecia treatment), jojoba oil, and saline.

Researchers monitored hair growth, performed microscopic skin analysis, and counted hair follicles in the anagen (active growth) phase. The peppermint oil group showed promising results.

Regarding peppermint extract, a more recent study published in Molecules (2022) focused on its antioxidant capabilities.

This study was conducted in vitro (in a lab setting) and tested how different herbal extracts —including peppermint— neutralized free radicals using standard methods like DPPH and FRAP.

Although it showed good antioxidant activity, this research did not measure the extract’s direct effects on the scalp or hair growth, so its application in hair cosmetics remains somewhat speculative.

What does it feel like on the scalp, and how does it work in practice?

When peppermint essential oil is applied to the scalp —either mixed into a carrier oil or added to a shampoo— the first thing most users notice is a cooling, tingling sensation. This is because menthol activates TRPM8 receptors in the skin's nerve endings, which interpret it as a temperature drop.

This reaction also causes mild vasodilation, meaning the blood vessels slightly widen. In theory, this improves scalp blood flow and may help deliver more nutrients to hair follicles. However, clinical studies in humans are still needed to confirm this benefit.

Because peppermint extract contains less menthol and is less concentrated overall, it doesn’t produce that strong cooling sensation. Instead, it’s ideal for sensitive scalps or people with conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Plus, its antioxidants may protect the scalp from oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic inflammation and gradual hair loss.

Which one is safer? And which should you choose based on your goals?

Safety is a key consideration when choosing between peppermint essential oil and extract. According to the FDA (2023), essential oils should always be handled carefully.

In the case of peppermint oil, proper dilution is crucial —topical solutions should contain less than 5% essential oil to avoid irritation, redness, or allergic reactions.

That’s why concentrated oils like those from Handcraft or Cliganic should only be used with knowledge or professional guidance.

By contrast, peppermint extracts are generally safer for daily use, especially when already incorporated into shampoos or conditioners, where active concentrations are regulated. This form is best for people looking to maintain a healthy scalp without the need for intensive treatments. It’s also recommended for pregnant individuals, children, or anyone with a history of skin sensitivity.

User Experiences

Community feedback on the effectiveness of peppermint essential oil versus extract in shampoos indicates a preference for the essential oil form, largely due to stronger anecdotal results and reported physiological effects. Users on Tressless have experimented with both, often as part of broader hair loss regimens, and most feedback centers around the essential oil showing more promise than peppermint extract.

One notable thread involved a user who switched entirely to essential oils after discontinuing finasteride due to side effects. Their mix included peppermint oil in a jojoba oil base, along with rosemary, flaxseed, and lavender oils. They reported a significant reduction in scalp itching and shedding, especially in inflamed areas. They emphasized that the peppermint oil helped calm their scalp and reduced folliculitis symptoms. This user also criticized dermatologists for not offering helpful solutions and found the DIY essential oil regimen more effective than expected.

Another post detailed a user’s experiment combining microneedling with essential oils specifically peppermint, rosemary, and vitamin-rich oils like jojoba and vitamin E. They avoided minoxidil and finasteride, opting instead to use essential oils and Alpecin shampoo. Although they didn’t post before-and-after images, they stated they would update the community if any visual results appeared. They emphasized that peppermint oil gave a noticeable "tingling" sensation, which they interpreted as increased circulation—a commonly cited anecdotal effect of menthol in peppermint.

In contrast, one user posed a broad question asking if anyone had seen results with peppermint oil. The replies generally supported essential oil over extract, with many users emphasizing that pure peppermint essential oil had stronger effects on tingling and scalp stimulation. Several users said they felt it helped with general thinning or maintaining density but agreed it probably wouldn’t regrow hair on bald spots. No one reported success using peppermint extract—many weren’t even sure what that product was in comparison to the essential oil. Others noted that shampoos marketed with peppermint "extract" often lack enough concentration to have any therapeutic effect.

A separate, science-backed post summarized peppermint and rosemary oil as adjunct treatments to finasteride and minoxidil. One user documented a 2.5-year experience using peppermint and rosemary oils consistently, and they noticed an increase in density and scalp health. While this post didn’t clarify whether they used extract or essential oil, the references to antifungal properties, menthol content, and enhanced blood flow clearly pointed to essential oil use rather than extract. Again, essential oil was the default and assumed more effective option ([Source 4]).

Across discussions, peppermint essential oil was more consistently linked to positive user experiences, particularly for improving scalp health, reducing itchiness, and maintaining existing hair. Peppermint extract, by contrast, had no noticeable presence or endorsement in the community—likely due to lower menthol concentration and lack of direct scalp stimulation. Overall, the consensus favors the essential oil, especially when used in conjunction with other therapies like microneedling or rosemary oil.

So, which one is actually more effective?

The answer depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If your main goal is to actively stimulate hair growth, peppermint essential oil —used correctly— has the strongest experimental backing, although human clinical trials are still limited. The key is safe usage: dilute it properly, apply it consistently, and either blend it with shampoo or use it with carrier oils.

However, if your priority is to support overall scalp health, calm irritation, or simply enjoy a refreshing and pleasant routine, a shampoo with peppermint extract —like the peppermint and rosemary blend— is likely the better choice. It won’t deliver a powerful punch, but it can help create a healthy environment for long-term hair maintenance.

APA 7 References:

Oh, J., Kim, M., Kim, S., Lee, H., & Yang, W. (2014). Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs. Toxicological Research, 30(4), 297–304. https://doi.org/10.5487/TR.2014.30.4.297

Karpińska-Tymoszczyk, M., Draszanowska, A., & Czarniecka-Skubina, E. (2022). Antioxidant Potential of Selected Herbal Extracts. Molecules, 27(21), 7348. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217348

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). Aromatherapy: Using Essential Oils Safely. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy-using-essential-oils-safely

National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). Peppermint. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint

PubChem. (2023). Menthol. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Menthol

Amazon. (n.d.). Peppermint Rosemary Hair Regrowth and Anti Hair Loss Shampoo. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.amazon.com/Peppermint-Rosemary-Hair-Regrowth-Conditioner/dp/B0D7N71XQJ/

Amazon. (n.d.). Handcraft Peppermint Essential Oil. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.amazon.com/Handcraft-Peppermint-Essential-Oil-Therapeutic/dp/B0756MBLNX

Amazon. (n.d.). Ethereal Nature 100% Natural Blend Oil, Peppermint. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.amazon.com/Ethereal-Nature-Natural-Blend-Peppermint/dp/B08HYMRX9R/

Amazon. (n.d.). Cliganic Peppermint Essential Oil. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.amazon.com/Cliganic-Peppermint-Essential-Therapeutic-Aromatherapy/dp/B07Q767RK5/

Amazon. (n.d.). Peppermint Essential Oil for Hair. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.amazon.com/Peppermint-Essential-Oil-For-Hair/dp/B09PRBHZ26