What are the key downstream applications driving demand for peppermint extract in China?

What are the key downstream applications driving demand for peppermint extract in China?
Peppermint extract is a multi-industry botanical. In cosmetics, it appears in both prestige creams and mass-market men's lotions, where it provides cooling and a fresh sensation. Beyond skincare, the broader peppermint family—especially menthol—ranks among China's top ten plant extract exports, with stable demand in pharmaceuticals, oral care, and confectionery. The extract itself is favored in aromatherapy and personal care for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, supported by research on menthol's effects on bacteria and fungi. As China's plant extract market grows at over 15% annually, peppermint extract benefits from the clean-label trend, though its use in cosmetics remains niche compared to menthol's industrial scale.