Methyl salicylate
- CAS number
- 119-36-8
- IFRA Standard status
- Not recorded
The information here describes the ingredient in general. Its possible sources may vary and do not necessarily show the origin or form used in a particular YUMA product. For product-specific information, check the relevant product page.
Description
Methyl salicylate occurs naturally in fruits and plants such as peaches, tomatoes, and strawberries. It has a distinctive sweet aroma reminiscent of root beer, combined with strong mint notes. Due to this unique scent profile, it is frequently used in mint-scented scented candles, as well as a flavoring ingredient in candies, chewing gums, and oral care products.
Fragrance creators often produce a nature-identical version of it in laboratories, ensuring consistent quality and helping preserve the planet's natural resources. The lab-produced version can originate from various sources, including renewable materials, making it a more sustainable choice for the fragrance and cosmetic industries.
Reported natural sources
Additional information
Traditional medicine: Methyl salicylate has been used for centuries in traditional remedies. Indigenous peoples of North America used wintergreen leaves, which are rich in this substance, to relieve pain and inflammation.
Methyl salicylate is a chemical relative of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Both substances belong to the salicylate family and share similar anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is often found in muscle pain ointments.
In nature, plants produce methyl salicylate as a defense mechanism. When a plant is attacked by insects or pathogens, it releases this substance, which acts as a chemical distress signal to neighboring plants, warning them to activate their own defense mechanisms.
CAS number
Other names
Linked YUMA products
IFRA Standard status
The IFRA Standards form an industry self-regulatory system. They may prohibit or restrict the use of particular fragrance ingredients, or set specifications, according to end use. The status below reflects the IFRA data recorded for this ingredient. It is not a product certification and does not replace applicable law or assessment of the finished product.
Regulatory information
The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) has recently completed an extensive safety assessment for methyl salicylate, which is awaiting review by the Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety and publication in scientific journals. Various regulatory bodies worldwide have conducted safety assessments for this ingredient.
In most European countries, methyl salicylate must be listed on the labels of detergents and cleaning products to inform consumers who may be allergic to it. In California, disclosure on the product website is required for detergents and cleaning products.