Forget green tea, black tea or hibiscus. The new clean beauty obsession is called spearmint. A humble plant with an ultra-fresh scent, it has been cropping up in dermatological discussions for some time now, particularly when it comes to hormonal acne.

Drinking spearmint tea is said to help ‘cleanse’ the skin from the inside, even out the complexion and soothe inflammation. It’s no miracle cure, of course, but a natural boost, provided it’s part of a holistic routine (suitable skincare, dermatological monitoring, a sensible lifestyle).

Why spearmint?

Best known for flavouring toothpaste and chewing gum, spearmint (Mentha spicata) has an impressive botanical pedigree. Used for centuries to aid digestion or treat winter ailments, it is rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds. Properties that are now attracting the attention of researchers… and our skin.

Its key benefit: hormonal balance

Some studies suggest that spearmint may have a mild anti-androgenic effect, in other words, it could help reduce the excess hormones responsible for overproduction of sebum. In a frequently cited study, women consuming two cups a day saw their androgen levels decrease after a month. A detail that makes all the difference when acne is concentrated on the chin or jawline, or recurs cyclically.

Soothing, protective, purifying

Spearmint also acts on inflammation (thanks to rosmarinic acid), combats oxidative stress and may curb the proliferation of certain bacteria involved in acne.

Science is, in fact, beginning to back up these observations: in 2024, a randomised clinical trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that a gel combining a plant extract and spearmint essential oil reduced acne lesions to a degree comparable to clindamycin, a commonly prescribed topical antibiotic. A promising avenue, even if researchers are still urging caution.

How to incorporate it?

Two cups a day, plain, without sugar. Try it for two to three weeks, without expecting a radical transformation but keeping an eye on the results. The taste is fresh, slightly minty, almost addictive: a significant bonus.

Keep in mind

Spearmint tea is no substitute for medical treatment, a well-thought-out skincare routine, or sleep (sorry). Results vary from person to person, and the scientific community remains cautious. But as is often the case in beauty, it’s the small, repeated actions that make the difference.

Translated by Bethszabee Garner