ABSTRACT

Methyl salicylate is a colorless to pink clear liquid; its odor type is minty and its odor is described as 'sweet, salicylate, root beer, wintergreen, aromatic, slightly phenolic and camphoreous'. Methyl salicylate has been identified by chemical analysis in 16 of 91 essential oils, which have caused contact allergy / allergic contact dermatitis. In one oil, methyl salicylate belonged to the 'Top-10' of ingredients with the highest concentrations which may be expected in commercial essential oils of this type: clove bud/leaf/stem oil. Few cases of contact allergy to methyl salicylate have been reported. Patch testing to the constituents of the ointment gave a positive reaction to methyl salicylate 2% in olive oil. The manufacturer provided samples of the ingredients and patch testing showed a positive reaction to methyl salicylate 2% in olive oil. Methyl salicylate was present in 4 of the products.