FlavScents AInsights Entry for Wintergreen Oil (CAS: 68917-75-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Wintergreen oil, also known as Gaultheria oil, is a natural complex material derived from the leaves of the wintergreen plant, primarily Gaultheria procumbens. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture, with methyl salicylate being the predominant constituent. The CAS number for wintergreen oil is 68917-75-9. While it does not have a specific FEMA number, methyl salicylate, its main component, is recognized under FEMA GRAS number 2745. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in flavor and fragrance regulations. The composition of wintergreen oil can vary based on its geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Wintergreen oil is characterized by its strong, sweet, and minty aroma, reminiscent of root beer or chewing gum. The intensity of its odor is high, with a sharp, penetrating quality that makes it a prominent impact note in formulations. The taste is similarly sweet and minty, with a cooling sensation. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, the oil is typically used in small amounts due to its potent sensory profile. It serves as both an impact note and a modifier in flavor and fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Wintergreen oil is naturally sourced from the leaves of the wintergreen plant, Gaultheria procumbens, through steam distillation. The formation of its primary component, methyl salicylate, occurs naturally in the plant as a defense mechanism against herbivores. This oil is often labeled as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its direct derivation from plant material. The natural occurrence of methyl salicylate is also noted in other plants like birch trees.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Wintergreen oil is commonly used in flavor applications such as chewing gum, candies, and oral care products. It provides a distinct minty and sweet flavor profile that is both refreshing and cooling. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering flavors. The oil is relatively stable under normal conditions but can degrade under high heat or acidic conditions, which may affect its flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, wintergreen oil is used in various product types, including perfumes, lotions, and personal care products. It is often employed as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the freshness and sweetness of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Wintergreen oil is considered a top note due to its high volatility and strong initial impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Wintergreen oil primarily consists of methyl salicylate, which can make up 90-98% of the oil. Other minor constituents may include gaultherilene and other terpenes, though these are present in much smaller quantities. The composition of the oil can vary significantly based on factors such as the plant's growing conditions and the distillation process used.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, wintergreen oil is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for flavor use by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries have their own regulatory frameworks, generally permitting its use within specified limits.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Wintergreen oil's safety profile varies with exposure routes. Orally, it is considered safe within established limits, with an ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) not clearly reported but generally low due to its potency. Dermal exposure in fragrances can cause irritation or sensitization, necessitating adherence to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk in consumer products but may pose occupational hazards in concentrated forms. The risk profiles differ between food and fragrance applications, with stricter controls in place for ingestion.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Wintergreen oil is valued for its distinctive minty aroma and flavor, making it a popular choice in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other minty or sweet notes but can easily overpower a blend if used excessively. Formulators should be cautious of its high volatility and potential for causing irritation in high concentrations. It is often under-used in complex fragrance compositions where subtlety is required.

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 often rely on undocumented traditional knowledge, especially in fragrance applications. Some regulatory ambiguities exist due to varying international standards, but these are generally harmonized across major markets.

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 2026-03-16 18:27:16 GMT (p2)