In November 2003 I toddled off to Thailand to take part in a charitable trek in and around the River Kwai (and believe me it was in) just outside of Bangkok. My mum, being the lovely person she is, invested in some Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray from the Body Shop on my behalf. Although when presented to me some 3 months before the trek I did wonder if she was trying to tell me something ;o)
** How do I spot it?
Just what it says really. The Body Shop have produced a foot spray which cools and refreshes feet, especially after a long day in hiking boots or trainers.
The spray comes in a little bottle containing 100ml of the blue transparent foot spray. To ease use the bottle has a black screw top which encompasses a spray nozzle and then has a small black top. Handy to stop the spray spraying itself when lodged in luggage.
The label on the front of the bottle has the body shop image, the name of the product and states that it is for use on all skin types. Whilst the back tells us how to use the spray, the ingredients it contains and the fact that the product isn’t tested on animals.
It is worth mentioning at this point that the spray is flammable, so keep it out of reach of children and fire. It is also necessary to keep this away from your eyes. If you do happen to get some in your eyes rinse with cold water and seek medical attention.
** Why peppermint?
Peppermint oil is obtained from the leaves and flowering tops of the peppermint plant. The plant is said to have soothing, stimulating and cooling properties, all of which I can vouch for.
It is also said to be a good insect repellent which explains why I only ever got bitten above the ankle even if I only had flip flops on. Mental note to self, to find a body spray (and, no I don’t care if I end up smelling like a bottle of Listerine!)
The BBC website mentions that Peppermint oil can be used as an anti-inflamatory. It is also antiviral, which means it can be used to reduce the risk of virus infection, and can be used as an antiseptic.
Peppermint oil should not be used by women that are up to 3 months pregnant or nursing. Nor should it be used by children under 12. I am unsure whether this applies to the pure form of peppermint oil or all products containing it, therefore my advice would be to stay clear or ask your Doctor.
** What is it like?
Obviously it smells of peppermint. Not just minty, but of a really strong peppermint. It reminds me of Listerine peppermint mouthwash, but I wouldn’t advise drinking it! Blue is quite a calming colour so it suggests serenity and refreshment.
I like to coat my feet liberally from 4 – 5 cms when using this spray. The nozzle sprays a very fine mist of liquid over the area you have sprayed.
Although the spray contains peppermint oil, it also contains alcohol so there is no need to massage the spray into your feet. I would recommend 5 – 6 squirts all over the foot to feel the full effect and to obtain a faint peppermint smell in the air around you. It really is refreshing and invigorating as the properties of Peppermint suggest.
Having sprayed my feet an hour ago they still feel refreshed and have a lovely softness to them. An amazing feat (‘scuse the pun!) considering that my feet have been stuck in leather boots all day. I can still smell a faint peppermint smell after rubbing my feet (and they don’t smell!)
** Ingredients
The foot spray contains the following ingredients:
Alcohol denant - used to make the spray evaporate quickly leaving the refreshing peppermint properties behind.
Aqua – that would be water!
Glycerin – another type of alcohol used as a lubricant.
Mentha Arvenis – mmm, mint.
C12 – 15 Alkyl Benzoate – a by-product of the petrol industry. This alcohol is used to stabilise the spray. Presumably to stop the peppermint oil and Aqua (see two can play that game!) separating.
Panthenal – I couldn’t find this, but I think this is Vitamin B and is used as a moisturising agent. Please correct me if you know I’m wrong.
Menthol – mmm, more mint.
Parfum – posh for perfume.
Denatonium Benzoate - on further investigation this is better known as Bitrex. It is a white, odourless solid which has an extremely bitter taste. Bitrex is primarily used to make a product taste disgusting to stop ingestion by us, and especially children.
Cl 42090 – blue colourant
** Recommendation
I have tried to find out the RRP but the Body Shop website is giving nothing away. I got a stock from a discount store for 50p a bottle. The good news is that although the spray contains alcohol it doesn’t evaporate or if it does the evaporation is minimal.
Dependent on how much you use the spray, if using once a day I would estimate a 100ml bottle lasting 2 – 3 months.
What’s not to like. The Peppermint smell perks you up, the spray refreshes your feet and it only costs a few pounds. Give it a go :o)
5/5
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