Distinguish peppermint from spearmint on a label by checking the botanical name. Peppermint can appear as Mentha x piperita, while spearmint is Mentha spicata. Ask for the complete name if the package says only "mint" instead of identifying it from a leaf picture.
Check the scientific line
EPPO associates peppermint with Mentha x piperita and spearmint with Mentha spicata. The peppermint record includes Mentha piperita among its other scientific names. Check a difference involving the x rather than treating it as automatic proof of an incorrect label.
Copy the entire name. Preserve conflicting wording on a box and bottle, then ask the manufacturer to clarify. Do not shorten a cultivar or finished-blend name to a more familiar mint name.
The eoASSIST oil reference
Search for oils by name and open their reference entries.
Compare these fields
| Field | Peppermint | Spearmint |
|---|---|---|
| EPPO record | Mentha x piperita | Mentha spicata |
| Common English name | Peppermint | Spearmint |
| Bottle check | Complete ingredients and batch identifier | Complete ingredients and batch identifier |
A botanical record identifies a plant. It is not an analysis of your bottle. Compare a carrier-containing finished product and a single essential oil as different formulas.
Find the intended eoASSIST entry
Open the English catalogue and start with the complete name. Our Peppermint search returned several related entries. Check the full name after opening a candidate instead of selecting the first mint-related result.
The name-search walkthrough records the checked examples. Use the botanical lookup guide for scientific records and synonyms. Catalogue results can change.
Sources and boundaries
EPPO: Mentha x piperita and Mentha spicata, checked on 11 November 2026. The eoASSIST catalogue was checked in Chrome on the same date. This article does not compare medical effects, menthol percentages or usage regimens.
The eoASSIST oil reference
Search for oils by name and open their reference entries.