Methyl salicylate 2-ethylbutyrate is an ester salicylic acid derivative found in plants, produced by esterification of salicylic acid with methanol. It is used in cosmetics for wintergreen fragrance and flavoring compositions, including perfumes, foods, beverages, candies, chewing gums and oral care products. It is also used as the active ingredient in topical anesthetics to promote relief of muscle and arthritis pain.

Methyl salicylate (or methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate), also known as wintergreen oil, is a natural product and is present in white wine, tea, porcini mushroom Boletus edulis, Bourbon vanilla, clary sage, red sage and fruits including cherry, apple, raspberry, papaya and plum. Methyl salicylate is topically used in combination with methanol and under brand name SALONPAS to temporarily relieves mild to moderate aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with: strains, sprains, simple backache, arthritis, bruises. The precise mechanism of action of methyl salicylate is not known, but there is suggested, that it cause dilation of the capillaries thereby increasing blood flow to the area.