Methyl salicylate, also known as wintergreen oil, is a colorless to yellow or pinkish liquid with a characteristic wintergreen odor. It is commonly used in topical pain relievers, rubefacients, and liniments, as well as in perfumes and flavorings. Synonyms for methyl salicylate include salicylic acid methyl ester, Gaultheria oil, betula oil, sweet birch oil, teaberry oil, and methyl ortho-hydroxybenzoate. These names reflect the various natural sources of methyl salicylate, such as birch bark, wintergreen leaves, and the teaberry plant. Other common names for this compound are oil of wintergreen, wintergreen essence, and methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate. Regardless of the name used, methyl salicylate is a versatile and useful compound with a variety of applications.