• Natural analgesic and counterirritant
• Provides cooling sensation similar to menthol
• Enhances penetration of other actives like camphor
• Used in muscle balms, sports rubs, and ointments
• Can also act as a mild fragrance and flavoring agent

Methyl Salicylate – Cooling Agent & Natural Counterirritant

 Methyl Salicylate, commonly known as Wintergreen Oil, is a naturally occurring counterirritant that delivers a cooling or warming effect upon topical application. It’s widely used in pain-relief balms, foot rubs, ointments, and sports creams for its ability to mask pain and relax muscles. When applied to the skin, it increases blood flow and creates a mild inflammation that distracts from deeper muscle pain. It's also mildly fragrant, contributing a minty aroma in cosmetic and medicinal products. Use with caution due to its high potency and systemic absorption risk at high doses.

INCI Name: Methyl Salicylate

CAS Number: 119-36-8

Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in oils, alcohols

Add Phase: Cool-down or oil phase

pH Stability: Stable across wide pH range

Processing Temperature: Below 45°C (to preserve activity)

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid

Odor: Strong minty-wintergreen scent

Molecular Formula: C8H8O3

Molecular Weight: 152.15 g/mol

Flash Point: 96°C

Density: ~1.18 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Organic ester

Functional Groups: Ester, Aromatic ring

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Pain relief balms, ointments, foot creams, massage oils

• Usage Rate: 0.1% – 5% (typical: 1%–2%)
• Phase: Oil phase or post-emulsification (cool-down)
• Ideal For: Sports balms, massage oils, foot creams, muscle relief rubs

⚠️ Always use below 2% and combine with emollients to reduce potential skin irritation. Avoid in products for children, facial care, or broken skin. Combine with Menthol and Camphor for enhanced therapeutic effect in pain-relief products.

✔️ Suitable for body-only use, especially for adults with sore muscles

❗ Not suitable for sensitive skin, children, or face applications

❗ May cause irritation at higher levels or prolonged use

1. Sports Recovery Balm

Blend 2% Methyl Salicylate with Menthol and Camphor in a wax-oil base for muscle rubs.

2. Herbal Foot Cream

Use 0.5–1% in combination with eucalyptus and peppermint for tired feet.

3. Massage Oil

Dilute in almond or olive oil for localized use on stiff joints and back pain.

4. Pain Relief Gel

Formulate with carbomer or HEC base and alcohol for a fast-drying, non-sticky gel.

5. Anti-inflammatory Ointment

Combine with soothing herbs like Arnica or Boswellia in a creamy base for joint relief.

Serums
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Too strong for facial use.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Useful in foot and body creams.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in water-based facial mists.



Face Masks
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Can be irritating to facial skin.



Cleansers
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟧⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Occasionally used in foot scrubs.



Hair Masks
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not recommended near scalp.



Deodorants
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – In natural deodorants for cooling.



Eye Creams
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Avoid contact with eye area.



Shampoos
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟧⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Cooling scalp shampoos only.



Soaps
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Can add scent and tingle to soaps.



Conditioners
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟧⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Rare usage in specialty scalp products.



Lip Balms
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Use in very low % for plumping effect.



Body Butters
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – For massage blends and after-sport care.



Ointments
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Ideal for warming, pain-relief ointments.

Q1: Is Methyl Salicylate the same as Wintergreen Oil?

A1: Yes, it is the main component of Wintergreen Oil and is often synthetically produced for consistency.

Q2: Can I use it in a facial serum or mask?

A2: No, it’s too strong and may cause irritation on facial skin.

Q3: Is it approved for cosmetic use?

A3: Yes, within regulated limits in OTC products and external-use cosmetics. Always follow local guidelines.