# Corn Mint Oil

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/corn-mint-oil.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 68917-18-0
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Corn mint oil is a natural flavoring agent derived from corn mint plants, used to impart minty and cooling sensations to food and beverage products. It functions as a flavoring adjuvant in various food applications to enhance taste profiles.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Corn Mint Oil?

Corn mint oil (CAS Number: 68917-18-0) is an essential oil extracted from corn mint plants (Mentha arvensis var. piperascens), a variety of mint commonly cultivated in Asia. The oil is composed primarily of menthol and menthone, which are responsible for its characteristic minty aroma and cooling sensations. As a natural botanical extract, corn mint oil represents one of many plant-derived flavoring agents used in the food industry.

## Common Uses

Corn mint oil is used as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant in food and beverage applications. Its primary function is to provide minty flavor notes and cooling sensations to products such as:

- Chewing gum and mints
- Confectionery and candies
- Beverages including teas and drinks
- Oral care products
- Pharmaceutical formulations
- Cosmetic and personal care items

The oil's menthol content makes it particularly valuable in products where a cooling or refreshing sensory experience is desired. Typical usage levels are small, as the oil is potent and concentrated.

## Safety Assessment

Corn mint oil has no reported adverse events in the FDA database and no associated recalls. The safety profile of corn mint oil is generally considered favorable, primarily due to its natural origin and long history of use in traditional applications, particularly in Asian food cultures.

Menthol, the primary active component of corn mint oil, has been extensively studied and is widely recognized as safe for consumption in typical food use levels. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and various international regulatory bodies have evaluated menthol-containing products without identifying significant safety concerns at normal usage levels.

Some individuals may experience sensitivity to menthol or mint flavors, though serious adverse reactions are rare. People with certain conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may find that mint consumption exacerbates symptoms, but this represents individual sensitivity rather than a safety issue with the additive itself.

## Regulatory Status

Corn mint oil does not currently hold FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, which means it has not undergone the formal GRAS affirmation process with the FDA. However, this absence of GRAS status does not indicate a safety concern. Many natural flavoring agents function in the food supply without formal GRAS designations, operating under different regulatory frameworks or as traditional food ingredients with established use history.

The ingredient may be used under FDA regulations for food additives if it complies with applicable regulations, or it may be marketed as a natural flavoring under provisions for substances with a history of safe use. Regulatory status varies internationally; some regions may have different approvals or restrictions.

## Key Studies

Menthol and corn mint oil composition have been studied extensively in scientific literature. Research has focused on:

- Chemical composition analysis of corn mint essential oils
- Antimicrobial properties of menthol-containing oils
- Flavor perception and sensory characteristics
- Metabolic processing of menthol in human systems

The absence of reported adverse events in FDA databases combined with the long history of mint use in food cultures suggests an acceptable safety margin for typical flavoring applications. Most scientific literature addresses menthol's properties rather than corn mint oil specifically, given that menthol is the primary bioactive component.

Standard toxicology studies on menthol indicate low acute toxicity and no concerning effects at food-relevant exposure levels.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Corn Mint Oil — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/corn-mint-oil. Accessed 2026-05-19.