Birch, sweet, oil (CAS 68917-50-0) — Sweet Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Birch, sweet, oil
CAS 68917-50-0
What Is Birch, sweet, oil?
Sweet birch oil is a natural essential oil distilled from the bark of the sweet birch tree (Betula lenta). People encounter it in root beer flavored products, chewing gum, and traditional wintergreen-scented liniments. This ingredient matters because it provides a distinctive wintergreen-like aroma that’s more natural and complex than pure synthetic methyl salicylate, with subtle woody undertones that make it valuable in perfumery.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Birch, sweet, oil Smell Like?
Sweet birch oil bursts with an intense, crisp wintergreen aroma reminiscent of crushed peppermint leaves and mentholated balms. The opening is sharply medicinal with a cooling vapor effect, quickly revealing deep caramelized sweetness like birch beer soda. As it dries, woody facets emerge – the scent of sun-warmed birch bark with faint vanilla undertones. The dry-down maintains remarkable tenacity, leaving a clean, camphoraceous trail that’s simultaneously refreshing and comforting.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a crisp top note counterpoint to the nutty heart, its wintergreen sharpness cutting through the creamy hazelnut accord like morning frost on autumn leaves.
Reformulated classic employing sweet birch oil to enhance the aromatic freshness of lavender, creating a barbershop fougère with extra minty lift.
Showcases birch oil’s full spectrum – from the icy minty opening to its gradual transformation into a warm, vanillic base reminiscent of birch sap.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Sweet birch oil consists almost entirely (98%) of methyl salicylate, an ester formed from salicylic acid and methanol. Unlike wintergreen oil (from Gaultheria procumbens) which contains the same compound, birch-derived methyl salicylate includes trace terpenes that modify its olfactory profile. The oil is produced through steam distillation of macerated bark, where enzymatic hydrolysis converts naturally occurring glycosides into volatile aromatic compounds. Modern production often supplements natural sources with synthetic methyl salicylate due to sustainability concerns.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Clear pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Main Constituent | Methyl salicylate (98%) |
| Flash Point | 96°C (closed cup) |
| Solubility | 1:3 in 70% alcohol |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Powerful modifier requiring careful dosing |
| Functional Products | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | In mouthwashes and topical analgesics |
Classic Accords
Tip: Always pre-dilute to 10% in ethanol before incorporating to prevent overwhelming other notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More purely minty without birch’s woody complexity, but often preferred for candies and gums due to lower cost.
When consistent purity is needed without natural variation, though lacks depth and diffusion of natural birch oil.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under current IFRA standards, though methyl salicylate content requires careful formulation.
EU Allergen Declaration
Must be declared when present >0.01% in leave-on products (methyl salicylate is listed allergen).
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels with proper precautions for dermal application.
Sustainability
Natural sweet birch oil faces sustainability challenges due to bark harvesting practices that can damage trees. Some producers now use coppicing techniques allowing regrowth. Synthetic methyl salicylate offers an alternative with lower environmental impact, though lacking the full olfactory profile. Ethical sourcing certifications are increasingly important for authentic birch oil.
Explore Birch, sweet, oil
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420090869
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68917-50-0Odor & Flavor
| The source of sweet birch oil of B. lenta is the bark (reddish-brown). Sweet birch oil has a characteristic wintergreen flavor.📖 Fenaroli |
Regulatory Status
| IFRA Listed | Yes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51 |
| IOFI Classification | Natural📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
