Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is the menthol-free cousin of peppermint: the essential oil contains carvone rather than menthol as its primary aromatic compound, which gives the note a sweeter, softer, almost candied quality with none of peppermint's sharp cooling effect. Modern perfumery uses spearmint in compositions where mint freshness is wanted without the medicinal edge. Fragrance Du Bois London Spice at Parfum Central uses spearmint alongside marine notes in its opening, lifting the composition with a herbal-fresh top before the spice-and-oud heart develops.
