MINT ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Mint contains lots of essential oils, the most allergenic are considered to be Menthol and L-carvone. These are both linked with allergic contact dermatitis.
Menthol is added to a lot of medicinal products as well as toothpaste. It is sometimes artificially derived, but both artificial and natural menthol can cause contact allergic reactions.
Food Intolerances
Mint is high in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.
You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.
Associated Syndromes
Cross Reactivity
These food lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Resources
Websites
ATP Science - Salicylate Food List
Articles and Journals
Gingival hypersensitivity reactions to toothpastes: A case series and scoping review, 2024
Oral lichenoid lesions in two snuff users with contact allergy to carvone, 2024
The use of carvone in consecutive patch testing, 2023
Orofacial Granulomatosis Due to Carvone Allergy in a Pediatric Patient, 2021
"Fresh Breath" on Toothpaste: Peppermint as Cause of Cheilitis, 2019
Oral contact allergy to carvone: with a focus on oral lichen, 2018
Angioedema Due to Lamiaceae Allergy, 2018
Contact Allergy to (Ingredients of) Toothpastes, 2017
A case of anaphylaxis to peppermint, 2014
Allergic reaction to mint leads to asthma, 2011
Toothpaste Allergy Diagnosis and Management, 2010
Contact sensitivity to menthol and peppermint in patients with intra-oral symptoms, 1995