Hakka Mint

Hakka from Takinoue

Hakka is Japanese mint, and the oil I use comes from Takinoue in northern Hokkaido, where mint has been cultivated for more than a century.

Cultivation in Takinoue is said to have begun around 1910. Hokkaido later became famous for Japanese mint production, and although the industry declined with competition from imported and synthetic menthol, a small number of growers in Takinoue continued the tradition.

Japanese hakka is naturally rich in menthol, which gives it its crisp, cooling character. In this balm, that comes through not only as a fresh mint scent but also as a gentle cooling feel on the skin.

That coolness is what makes Hakka Mint different from the citrus and forest oils in the collection: clear, refreshing and unmistakably mint.

The balm

Hakka Mint combines organic jojoba oil and olive-derived squalane to help soften and condition the skin, with shea butter and white beeswax for richness and to help reduce moisture loss.

Its only added scent is the single hakka mint essential oil from Takinoue. The natural menthol in the oil gives the balm its fresh scent and gentle cooling character.

Made with 100% natural-origin ingredients.

No petroleum jelly or mineral oil.

Handmade in small batches in the Cotswolds.