What is wintergreen oil?

Wintergreen oil is a potent essential oil distilled from the leaves of the wintergreen plant, renowned for its crisp scent and powerful soothing properties.[1][2]

  • Origin: Extracted from Gaultheria procumbens, a North American woodland plant traditionally used by Indigenous peoples.[3]
  • History: Used for centuries in folk medicine for pain relief, muscle comfort, and as a natural liniment.[2][3]
  • Composition: Rich in methyl salicylate (up to 98%), the compound responsible for its signature scent and cooling effect.[1][4]
  • Why We Love It: Delivers instant cooling, calms irritation, and helps ease soreness—making it perfect for tired, overworked feet.[1][2][5]

What is wintergreen oil made up of?

  • 85-98%
    Methyl Salicylate
    → cooling relief
    Methyl salicylate provides a cooling sensation, reduces pain, and soothes sore muscles and irritated skin.[4][10]
  • traces
    Gaultherilene
    → anti-inflammatory
    Gaultherilene supports the oil’s anti-inflammatory effects, helping to calm redness and swelling.[4][10]
  • traces
    Alpha-pinene
    → antimicrobial boost
    Alpha-pinene helps protect skin from microbes and supports overall skin health.[4][10]
  • traces
    Limonene
    → natural fragrance
    Limonene adds a fresh, citrusy note and supports the oil’s cleansing properties.[4][10]
  • traces
    Delta-3-carene
    → skin comfort
    Delta-3-carene helps soothe and refresh, reducing discomfort and promoting a sense of well-being.[4][10]
  • traces
    Eugenol
    → skin repair support
    Eugenol offers mild analgesic and antiseptic properties, supporting skin recovery after activity.[4][10

Traditional remedy, modern relief

History of Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen oil has a long history in North America, where Indigenous peoples used it for aches, pains, and respiratory support. Its reputation as a natural pain reliever and skin soother has made it a staple in balms and sports care products, valued for its cooling, comforting effects.[2][3][6]

cooling comfort, naturally

Why We Use It

We use wintergreen oil for its unique ability to deliver fast, cooling relief and reduce discomfort. Its natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it ideal for active feet, helping to soothe soreness and keep you moving comfortably.[1][2][5]

pure, responsibly sourced

Where We Get It

Our wintergreen oil is steam-distilled from sustainably harvested wintergreen leaves, ensuring purity and potency while protecting wild plant populations and local ecosystems.[7][8]

safe relief, sustainable choice

Why It Matters

Choosing wintergreen oil means choosing a renewable, biodegradable ingredient that’s safe for your skin and the environment. It helps us create products that are effective, naturally fragrant, and free from harsh chemicals - so you can feel good about every application.[1][8][9]

Wintergreen Oil FAQs

Why do The Feats products include wintergreen oil?

We use wintergreen oil for its ability to provide instant cooling, reduce soreness, and keep active feet and muscles feeling their best - naturally.[1][5]

What does wintergreen oil do for my skin and muscles?

Wintergreen oil delivers a cooling sensation, soothes irritation, and helps relieve muscle soreness and discomfort with its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.[1][2][5]

Is wintergreen oil safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, when used in proper concentrations, wintergreen oil is effective and generally safe for most skin types, but should be avoided on broken skin or by those with salicylate allergies.[1][2]

How is your wintergreen oil sourced?

Our wintergreen oil is steam-distilled from sustainably harvested leaves, ensuring purity and environmental responsibility.[7][8]

Does wintergreen oil have a strong scent in your products?

Wintergreen oil provides a crisp, minty aroma that’s balanced with other natural ingredients for a refreshing, non-overpowering fragrance.[1][4]

Scientific sources

  1. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/wintergreen-oil
  2. Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324944
  3. Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/plant/wintergreen
  4. PubChem (NIH): https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Wintergreen-oil
  5. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-884/wintergreen
  6. Foster, S., & Duke, J. A. (2000). "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America." Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
  7. Supplier transparency reports
  8. Ethical Consumer: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/health-beauty/shopping-guide/essential-oils
  9. Environmental Working Group (EWG): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702019-WINTERGREEN-OIL/

Opdyke, D. L. J. (1976). "Monographs on fragrance raw materials: Wintergreen oil." Food and Cosmetics Toxicology, 14(5), 471-472. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015626476800572

Key Scientific Papers Supporting Wintergreen Oil Use

  • Opdyke, D. L. J. (1976). "Monographs on fragrance raw materials: Wintergreen oil." Food and Cosmetics Toxicology, 14(5), 471-472. Details the chemical composition of wintergreen oil, emphasizing its high methyl salicylate content and safety considerations for topical use. Link
  • Foster, S., & Duke, J. A. (2000). "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America." Documents the traditional uses of wintergreen by Indigenous peoples and its role in natural pain relief and muscle comfort. Link
  • Zhang, Y., et al. (2017). "Methyl salicylate: A review on its pharmacology and toxicology." Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 69(11), 1549-1556. Reviews the pharmacological actions of methyl salicylate, the main component of wintergreen oil, including its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Link
  • PubChem (NIH): Wintergreen Oil Compound Summary. Provides a comprehensive overview of wintergreen oil’s chemical constituents and their biological activities. Link

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