Wintergreen oil in toothpaste?
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Many toothpastes—and even tooth powders—contain ingredients that most of us would never willingly put in our mouths, especially if we knew their effects. But who actually knows that?
We’ll be sharing updates on this topic from time to time.
Today’s focus: Methyl salicylate, a natural compound found in wintergreen oil or birch bark oil.
In January 2025, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety released an opinion on methyl salicylate for children aged 0–3 years, recommending no more than 0.45% in toothpaste for that age group.
Methyl salicylate occurs naturally in sources like wintergreen oil and often makes its way into “eco” toothpastes via this charmingly named ingredient. The compound is known for its pain-relieving and refreshing properties.
When methyl salicylate is absorbed into the human body, it converts into salicylic acid. However, salicylic acid itself, if added directly, is banned in many countries. In Germany, there are health concerns about its use—even though it was once used for preserving jams and jellies up until the postwar period.
While experts continue their debates and research (as salicylic acid is also widely used in skincare), we’re pleased that our oral care products are free from such ingredients.
Note:
We understand that EU experts sometimes err on the side of caution, making a definitive judgment on this additive difficult for us to provide.
Sources:
Methylsalicylat für Kinder - ICADA International cosmetic and device association
PharmaWiki - Methylsalicylat
Salicylsäure - DocCheck Flexikon
Salicylsäure - Lexikon der Zusatzstoffe
