Peppermint. You know it, you love it. That cool, crisp flavour that makes your mouth feel instantly fresher and your breath a whole lot friendlier. It’s been the go-to in oral care for what feels like forever, but have you ever wondered where it comes from, how it actually works, or why natural peppermint is so much better than the fake stuff? Let’s have a proper look.
Peppermint’s been around
We’re not the first to love peppermint. The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were all at it, using peppermint for its flavour, its fragrance and its soothing qualities. Originally grown in Europe and the Middle East, it became a staple in everything from food to medicine. Over the years, it made its way into oral care, where it’s been keeping mouths minty fresh ever since.
That cool feeling? Here’s the science
The magic of peppermint comes from menthol, a natural compound found in peppermint leaves. When you use it, menthol interacts with special receptors in your mouth that trigger a cooling sensation. That’s why it feels like a breath of fresh air, literally. It also helps mask odours, which is why your mouth feels so clean after brushing with it.
Minty roots: the family tree
Peppermint is part of the mint family, proper name, Lamiaceae. It’s actually a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, combining the sweetness of one with the cooling bite of the other. Other family members include basil, thyme and lavender, which is quite the herbaceous squad.
Why we pick the real stuff
Some brands cut corners with synthetic peppermint flavour. It’s cheaper, easier and quicker to produce. But it just doesn’t taste the same. Artificial versions often rely on isolated menthol, missing out on all the other natural compounds that give peppermint its proper flavour. It ends up one-dimensional, all sharp, no depth.
At Waken, we use real peppermint extract. That means you get menthol, yes — but you also get a complex mix of natural flavour compounds that make our toothpaste and mouthwash feel smoother, rounder and genuinely more refreshing. No harsh edge. No synthetic aftertaste. Just proper plant-powered freshness.
Fresh, but make it thoughtful
We believe every ingredient should earn its place, and peppermint definitely does. By choosing natural peppermint extract, we’re not just making your mouth feel fresh, we’re creating an experience that feels clean, uplifting and genuinely enjoyable. Every day. Every brush.
Don’t just clean. Care.