Wintergreen Oil
Description of Wintergreen Oil
Wintergreen Oil is steam-distilled from the Gaultheria procumbens herb and is sometimes referred to as “Gaultheria Oil,” though this name is not commonly used by modern perfumers. The wintergreen plant is native to North America though is now widely cultivated throughout much of China, as well as East Asia, Canada, and the US. Wintergreen oil’s aroma is powerful and sweet, with a creamy top note and slightly woody drydown. The primary use of wintergreen is flavor, where it has become a staple of countless candies, toothpastes, and chewing gums. Its oil is almost entirely composed of methyl salicylate, which is a crucial ingredient of root beer and cola flavorings, as well as many other food products. Outside of flavor, wintergreen oil is used in floral or forest-type perfumers, where it blends well with ingredients such as ylang-ylang, oakmoss, and tuberose absolute.