Methyl Salicylate

Methyl salicylate is an organic ester which is naturally produced by many species of plants, and it is the main component of the natural ‘oil of wintergreen’. Current commercial manufacture is commonly performed by esterification of salicylic acid with methanol.

For acute joint and muscular pain, methyl salicylate is used as a rubefacient and analgesic in topical creams and ointments. It is used in many fragrance mixtures and as a flavoring agent in chewing gums and mints. It is also added as antiseptic in mouthwash solutions.

Depending on the type of product it is incorporated in, its typical final concentration may range from 0.05% to 30% in the final product.