OBJECTIVE: Volatile essential oils of mint species are used for cosmetics and in skin care products. In this study, we evaluated the main chemical components of the lime mint and the anti-melanogenic properties of its main components. METHODS: The essential oil was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The anti-melanogenic effects of mint essential oil and -caryophyllene were investigated in B16F10 murine melanoma cells. RESULTS: The main components of lime mint essential oil were found to be D-limonene (41.10%), D-carvone (8.58%), -selinene (6.73%) and -caryophyllene (6.24%). The lime mint essential oil reduced melanin production in a dose-dependent manner in murine B16F10 cells. -Caryophyllene, one of the main compounds in lime mint essential oil, could reduce melanogenesis by down-regulating the expression of MITF, TRP-1, TRP-2 and tyrosinase, resulting in a decrease in melanin content decrease. CONCLUSION: These results reveal that lime mint essential oil and -caryophyllene are considered to be valuable as potential skin-whitening agents.