Although Wintergreen and Peppermint both offer a crisp, clean, minty scent and a cooling menthol sensation, these essential oils are actually part of a different plant family. Peppermint comes from the Mentha piperita plant, while Wintergreen is derived from the Gaultheria procumbens plant. Peppermint also has a much stronger, more potent aroma, while Wintergreen is sweeter, gentler, and has a hint of vanilla in its fragrance.