Herbal

Wintergreen

Note Profile

Botanical 3 perfumes

About

Wintergreen oil is steam distilled from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens or Gaultheria fragrantissima. Its scent comes from methyl salicylate, which can also be made synthetically. It smells sharply minty, sweet and slightly medicinal, like crushed mint leaves, with a cooling effect and a faint woody undertone. It can soften to balsamic and herbal tones. It is used in the top note and dosed with care.

Scent Profile

Wintergreen has a sharply minty, sweet, and slightly medicinal aroma, with nuances reminiscent of crushed mint leaves and a faint woody undertone. Its scent is dominated by methyl salicylate, which imparts a cooling effect and a lingering freshness. Over time, the note can soften, revealing subtle balsamic and herbal facets.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeHeart · ~8h lasting

Family Fresh & Citrus, Sweet & Gourmand

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Wintergreen oil

A natural extract

CAS 68917-75-9

The oil of Gaultheria, which is mostly methyl salicylate, held under its own name.

How the layers join

Origin

Wintergreen oil is primarily extracted from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens or Gaultheria fragrantissima through steam distillation. The oil's characteristic scent comes from the natural presence of methyl salicylate, which can also be synthesized for perfumery use. Wild harvesting and careful distillation are important to preserve the purity of the oil.

Usage in Perfumery

In perfumery, wintergreen is typically used in top notes to impart a fresh, invigorating opening, often in fougère, herbal, or aromatic compositions. It blends well with mint, pine, lavender, and woody notes, but must be dosed carefully due to its potency. Its distinctive profile is sometimes used to evoke vintage or medicinal accords.