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. Other identifiers include its FEMA number, which is 3113. As a complex natural material, wintergreen oil does not have a single molecular formula or molecular weight. The functional groups present in methyl salicylate, such as the ester group, contribute significantly to its characteristic odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Wintergreen oil is renowned for its distinctive, sweet, and minty aroma, reminiscent of root beer or chewing gum. The intensity of its odor is strong, with a high diffusion rate, making it an impactful note in both flavor and fragrance applications. The taste is similarly sweet and minty, with a cooling sensation. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, wintergreen oil is typically used as an impact note due to its potent sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Wintergreen oil is naturally sourced from the leaves of the Gaultheria procumbens plant through steam distillation. The primary constituent, methyl salicylate, is formed naturally in the plant and can also be synthesized via esterification of salicylic acid with methanol. Wintergreen oil qualifies for "natural flavor" designation when derived from its botanical source, aligning with regulatory definitions for natural flavoring substances.

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 characterizing flavor, providing a sweet, minty profile. Typical use levels in finished products range from 10 to 100 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor profiles. Wintergreen oil is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, wintergreen oil is utilized in various product types, including personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It contributes to the minty and fresh fragrance families, often used as a top note due to its high volatility. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Wintergreen oil's primary constituent is methyl salicylate, which can comprise up to 98% of the oil. Other minor constituents may include gaultherin and various terpenes, though these are present in much smaller quantities. The composition of wintergreen oil can vary based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and processing methods.

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 food and cosmetics. In Latin America, regulations may vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having their own standards. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are generally in place, though country-specific variability exists.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, wintergreen oil's primary constituent, methyl salicylate, has an established ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) by JECFA. Dermal exposure considerations include potential irritation and sensitization, with IFRA providing guidelines for safe use in fragrances. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk at typical use levels, but occupational exposure should be monitored. The risk profiles differ between food and fragrance applications, with higher scrutiny in dermal applications due to potential sensitization.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Wintergreen oil is valued for its potent and recognizable aroma, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other minty and sweet notes but can overpower delicate compositions if overused. Common pitfalls include using excessive amounts, leading to an unbalanced profile. It is often underutilized in complex blends where its impact can be moderated.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on wintergreen oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and regulatory status. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in composition due to natural sourcing remains. Known data gaps include specific taste and odor thresholds, which are not consistently reported across sources.

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 2026-09-23 15:31:16 GMT (p2)