Wintergreen oil (CAS 68917-75-9) — Sweet Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Wintergreen oil
CAS 68917-75-9
What Is Wintergreen oil?
Wintergreen oil is a naturally occurring essential oil extracted from the leaves of the wintergreen plant. It’s commonly found in chewing gum, toothpaste, and topical pain relief products due to its minty, cooling aroma. This oil matters because it provides a distinctive fresh scent and has been traditionally used for its analgesic properties.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Wintergreen oil Smell Like?
Wintergreen oil bursts with an intensely minty, sweet, and slightly medicinal aroma reminiscent of fresh peppermint candy. Its top note is sharp and cooling, evolving into a heart that’s more herbal and slightly woody. The dry-down retains a clean, crisp character with lingering sweetness. The scent is unmistakably fresh, like a forest after rain, with a subtle camphoraceous edge that adds depth.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Wintergreen oil adds a crisp, rain-fresh quality to this atmospheric fragrance, mimicking the electrified air before a storm.
Used sparingly to create a bracing minty freshness that complements the herbal notes in this unisex body spray.
Wintergreen provides a surprising cool counterpoint to the dark woody notes, adding dimensional freshness.
A trace of wintergreen enhances the dewy green freshness of the violet leaf and iris accord.
Wintergreen amplifies the minty theme while adding complexity to the citrus top notes.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Wintergreen oil is primarily composed of methyl salicylate (up to 98%), a phenolic ester. This compound occurs naturally in wintergreen plants through enzymatic hydrolysis of precursors. The oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the leaves. Methyl salicylate is chiral, with the naturally occurring form being (R)-(-)-methyl salicylate. Synthetic versions are racemic mixtures. The ester group makes it relatively stable compared to other essential oil components.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 222 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.174 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 96 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.535-1.538 |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water, miscible with alcohol |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used sparingly for fresh accents |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Toothpaste, mouthwash formulations |
| Topical Products | 1-3% | Up to 6% | Pain relief creams and ointments |
| Flavorings | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | Chewing gum, candies |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use wintergreen oil sparingly as it can dominate a composition – start at 0.1% and adjust upward.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a less medicinal mint character with higher menthol content.
When a sweeter, less camphoraceous mint note is desired.
For consistent quality and precise dosing in formulations.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Methyl salicylate content self-limits due to toxicity concerns at high doses.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated methyl salicylate (main component) as safe at current use levels in fragrance.
Sustainability
Wintergreen oil is typically wild-harvested from sustainable forest populations in North America. The plant grows slowly, making large-scale cultivation challenging. Synthetic methyl salicylate offers a more sustainable alternative with consistent quality and lower environmental impact from harvesting.
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References
- PubChem Methyl Salicylate PubChem CID 4133
- Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Elsevier.
- IFRA Standards Library IFRA
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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