Methyl Salicylate

Methyl salicylate is an aromatic ester, synthesized or sourced from wintergreen, used in fragrance and topical cosmetic products for its minty, cooling scent and perceived warming sensory feel in balms and scented formulas.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A wintergreen-scented ingredient that adds a cooling, warming feel.
Category
Fragrance
Type
Fragrance

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Provides a sharp, wintergreen aroma that can improve freshness perception, and produces a warming or tingling sensation that some users find pleasant during application.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in fragranced body lotions, foot creams, and massage balms. Also found in roll-on formats and scented rubs for localized sensory effect.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

May irritate skin or eyes and can provoke reactions in those sensitive to salicylates; avoid on broken or compromised skin. Industry limits guide safe use, yet individual tolerance varies. Discontinue if persistent redness, stinging, or excessive warmth occurs.

Is Methyl Salicylate a Good Ingredient?

It's valued for its distinctive wintergreen scent and warming sensation, but offers minimal direct skin benefit and carries a notable irritation or sensitization risk, especially on sensitive or compromised skin, which is why it rates Fair.

Products with Methyl Salicylate

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