Methyl salicylate, synthetic, 1 l

Methyl salicylate, synthetic

Methyl salicylate is a fragrance ingredient with the characteristic scent of wintergreen (wintergreen oil). In a formulation it acts as a fragrance ingredient with the INCI name Parfum and is supplied in cosmetic grade. It is miscible with oils and soluble in alcohol, so it suits oil-based, anhydrous and emulsion products for the body, hands, face and hair.

This raw material is not pure wintergreen essential oil. It has a combined origin, is processed by blending and filtration, and is supplied in commercial fragrance grade. Its scent corresponds to wintergreen oil, and that name is also listed among its other names.

What it is suitable for

• Fragrance ingredient – gives the product a wintergreen scent in preparations for the body, hands, face, hair and scalp.
• Solubility in oil and alcohol – it can be incorporated directly into oil-based and anhydrous products, without auxiliary substances.
• Rinse-off and leave-on products – the raw material is intended for both types of application, always within the IFRA limit for the given product category.
• Ready biodegradability – it meets the criteria for ready biodegradability under the OECD 301 test.

Use in a formulation

Methyl salicylate is added to the oil phase, to the cooling phase, or incorporated afterwards into the finished base. The recommended processing temperature is up to 40 °C. For emulsions, wait until the mixture has cooled after the phases are combined, and only then stir in the fragrance ingredient. The raw material is a mixture of volatile organic compounds, and part of the scent would be lost on heating.

The raw material does not dissolve in water. It cannot be incorporated directly into toners, sprays or other water-based products. If you want to add it to an aqueous base, use a solubiliser and check the clarity and stability of the finished product on a sample. In alcohol-based bases it dissolves readily.

The colour of the raw material ranges from colourless to yellow. For light and white bases, check the shade on a test sample and compare it with the base without the fragrance ingredient.

Suitable for products such as

• Body oil blends – direct incorporation into the oil phase.
• Balms and solid anhydrous products – added after the base has melted and cooled slightly, before it sets.
• Creams and lotions – stirred in during the cooling phase of the emulsion.
• Rinse-off body and hair products – shower gels or shampoos, where the raw material is dosed according to the IFRA limit for rinse-off categories.

Good to know

The raw material is subject to the CLP Regulation and is classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. It is marked with the GHS05 (corrosive to skin and materials), GHS07 (irritant, sensitisation, mild toxicity) and GHS08 (serious health hazards with long-term effects) pictograms. Details of the classification and safe handling are in the safety data sheet for the product.

The first time you use it in your own recipe, make a small test batch. This lets you check the strength of the scent and its behaviour in the specific base, especially in emulsions and products with a high water content.

Frequently asked questions