Sharp and cooling on the opening, with a clean medicinal brightness that reads as minty without containing any menthol at all. It is sweeter than eucalyptus and less herbal than peppermint, with a distinctive balsamic undertone that keeps it from being simply clinical. Over time the sharpness softens into something warm, rooty, and slightly fruity, with a quiet salicylate depth that lingers. It is a polarising material in fine fragrance precisely because its character is so strong and so culturally loaded, yet at trace concentrations it can function as a transparent green-floral enhancer without triggering the wintergreen association at all.

Wintergreen Essential Oil works as a top note modifier, accord anchor, and functional fragrance material.

Recommended concentration: 0.1-2% in most fragrance applications. Observe IFRA guidelines for leave-on skin applications (maximum 0.29% methyl salicylate in the finished leave-on product). Start conservatively in fine fragrance.

Particularly effective in:

Masculine and aromatic fougere structures where a sharp, clean edge is needed
Dental and functional fragrance including toothpaste, mouthwash, and oral care products
Cooling and sport-adjacent personal care formulations
Candy, confectionery, and fantasy fragrance themes
At sub-threshold levels (below 0.1%), as a transparent green-floral brightener without the full wintergreen association
Candles and home fragrance where a cool, clean, invigorating character is desired

Blends well with:

Menthol and mint materials for cooling and fresh compositions
Eucalyptus and camphoraceous materials
Herbaceous notes, lavender, rosemary, clary sage
Light citruses, lemon, bergamot
Clean musks as a base contrast

Note: wintergreen is one of the most commonly adulterated essential oils in commercial supply. Synthetic methyl salicylate is virtually indistinguishable by smell from genuine steam-distilled oil and considerably cheaper to produce. Confirm botanical source and extraction documentation before purchasing from any supplier.

Material Type: Essential oil
Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens
Plant Part: Leaves
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
CAS Number: 68917-75-9 (Gaultheria procumbens leaf oil); primary component methyl salicylate CAS 119-36-8
FEMA Number: 2745 (methyl salicylate)
Origin: North America (USA/Canada)
Odour Profile: Sharp, sweet, medicinal, cooling, balsamic, rooty
Appearance: Pale yellow to reddish-brown clear oily liquid
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in water
Key Components: Methyl salicylate (96-99%)
Regulatory Status: SDS documentation can be supplied upon request.

For external use only. Do not ingest
Methyl salicylate is rapidly absorbed through the skin and is toxic in quantity; a teaspoon of pure oil contains the salicylate equivalent of roughly 21 aspirin tablets. Observe all concentration limits strictly
Not suitable for use during pregnancy or on children
Observe IFRA leave-on skin limits (0.29% methyl salicylate in the finished product)
Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
Use in a well-ventilated area
Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
Shelf life: 2-3 years when stored correctly