FlavScents AInsights Entry: Wintergreen Oil (CAS: 68917-75-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Wintergreen oil
- CAS Number: 68917-75-9
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Material Type: Natural complex material (essential oil)
- Source: Derived from the leaves of the wintergreen plant, primarily Gaultheria procumbens or Betula lenta.
- Key Constituents: Methyl salicylate is the primary component, often comprising 90-98% of the oil. Other constituents may include small amounts of gaultherin, menthyl salicylate, and other trace compounds.
Wintergreen oil is a natural complex material, primarily composed of methyl salicylate, which is responsible for its characteristic aroma and flavor. The composition of wintergreen oil can vary depending on the plant source, geographical origin, and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Wintergreen oil is renowned for its distinctive, sweet, and minty aroma, often described as reminiscent of root beer or chewing gum. The intensity of its odor is strong, with a high diffusion rate, making it a potent impact note in formulations. The taste is similarly sweet and minty, with a cooling sensation.
The sensory role of wintergreen oil is typically as an impact note, providing a recognizable and intense minty character to both flavors and fragrances. It is often used to impart freshness and sweetness, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Wintergreen oil is naturally sourced from the leaves of the wintergreen plant, particularly Gaultheria procumbens and Betula lenta. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves, where methyl salicylate is the primary compound formed.
In terms of natural flavor designation, wintergreen oil qualifies as a natural flavoring substance due to its direct extraction from plant material. The formation of methyl salicylate in the plant occurs through enzymatic processes, which convert salicylic acid derivatives into the ester form.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Wintergreen oil is widely used in flavor applications, particularly in confectionery, chewing gum, and oral care products. It serves as a primary flavoring agent, providing a distinct minty and sweet profile.
Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 10 to 100 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. Stability considerations include sensitivity to heat and oxidation, which can affect the flavor profile over time.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, wintergreen oil is utilized in a variety of product types, including personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It contributes to fragrance families such as minty, fresh, and sweet.
The oil functions as an impact note, providing a strong, recognizable scent. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the product type and desired effect. Wintergreen oil is highly volatile, contributing primarily to the top notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Methyl Salicylate: 90-98%
- Gaultherin: Trace amounts
- Menthyl Salicylate: Trace amounts
The composition of wintergreen oil can vary significantly based on factors such as plant species, geographic origin, and extraction method. It is important for formulators to verify the specific composition of their wintergreen oil source.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
United States
Wintergreen oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by the FDA. However, specific use levels and applications should be verified against FEMA GRAS documentation.
European Union
Under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, wintergreen oil is permitted as a flavoring substance. It is important to check the FL number status for specific applications.
United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns closely with the EU, but formulators should verify any specific divergences.
Asia
In countries like Japan and China, wintergreen oil is used in both food and fragrance applications, but specific regulatory approvals should be confirmed.
Latin America
Regulatory frameworks in countries such as Brazil and MERCOSUR generally permit the use of wintergreen oil, but local regulations should be consulted for specific guidance.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Oral Exposure
Wintergreen oil, primarily composed of methyl salicylate, has an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by JECFA. However, due to its potency, it should be used within recommended limits to avoid toxicity.
Dermal Exposure
In fragrance applications, wintergreen oil can cause skin irritation or sensitization in some individuals. IFRA provides guidelines on safe use levels in cosmetic products.
Inhalation Exposure
Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure should be minimized, especially in occupational settings. Proper ventilation and protective equipment are recommended during handling.
The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications differ, with oral exposure being more critical in flavor use, while dermal and inhalation exposures are more relevant in fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Wintergreen oil is valued for its intense minty aroma and flavor, making it a popular choice in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other minty and sweet notes, enhancing the overall sensory profile.
Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering effect, and stability issues due to oxidation. It is often under-used in complex blends where its impact can be diluted.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on wintergreen oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and key constituents. However, industry practices may vary, and formulators should verify specific regulatory and safety data for their intended applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1-9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-06-11 19:25:27 GMT (p2)
