1. Agrochemicals

• Pest Repellent: Methyl salicylate is a volatile compound released by plants when they are under attack by herbivores. Methyl salicylate can be applied as a spray or slow-release lure to create a repellent zone around plants, reducing pest damage.
• Plant Defense Elicitor: Methyl salicylate is a key component in plant defense responses, acting as a signaling molecule that triggers the production of defensive compounds and other resistance mechanisms.
• Attracting Beneficial Insects: Methyl salicylate can attract natural enemies of pests, such as predatory insects, which can help control pest populations. By attracting these beneficial insects, Methyl salicylate can contribute to a more balanced ecosystem within the agricultural field.

2. Pharmaceuticals

• Analgesic and Rubefacient: Methyl salicylate is a key ingredient in topical pain relievers like deep heating liniments (e.g., Bengay). It's used to treat joint and muscle pain by producing a warming sensation that distracts from deeper pain.
• Flavoring Agent: In lower concentrations, it acts as a flavoring agent in medications. For example, it's used in products like Pepto-Bismol.
• Antiseptic: It's also found in some antiseptic mouthwashes, such as Listerine.
• Metabolism: When applied topically, methyl salicylate is metabolized into salicylates, including salicylic acid, which is a known NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). This conversion contributes to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Counterirritant: While it is metabolized into NSAIDs, its effectiveness is often attributed to counterirritation, where the sensation of warmth distracts from pain perception.

3. Personal Care

• Oral hygiene: Methyl salicylate is a common flavoring agent in toothpaste and mouthwash, providing a fresh sensation and mild antiseptic properties. 
• Fragrance: It acts as a fragrance ingredient in various personal care products, including hydroalcoholic fragrances like aftershave and cologne, and as a modifier in floral fragrances. 
• Soothing and warming: In sports massage products and liniments, it serves as a rubefacient, causing redness and a warming sensation on the skin, which can help relieve muscle and joint pain. It can also be used as a soothing agent in aromatherapy. 
• Denaturant: It is also used as a denaturant in cosmetic products. 
• Flavoring: In addition to oral hygiene, methyl salicylate is also used as a flavoring agent in other food and beverage products.

4. Flavours & Fragrances

• Minty Flavor: Methyl salicylate is a key ingredient in creating a minty flavor, making it popular in chewing gum, candies, and other confectionery items. 
• Beverages: Methyl salicylate is used in some beverages, including birch beer, root beer, and other flavored drinks. 
• Oral Hygiene: It is used in small concentrations as an antiseptic in mouthwashes and toothpastes, often for its minty aroma and taste.
• Perfumes: Methyl salicylate acts as a scent modifier in perfumes, contributing a sweet, floral, and slightly salicylate-like aroma.
• Aromatherapy: Wintergreen oil, which contains methyl salicylate, is used in aromatherapy for its scent and potential therapeutic benefits.

5. Cleaning & Disinfectants

• Fragrance: Methyl salicylate is a common fragrance ingredient, providing a sweet, minty aroma that can be found in various cleaning products like air fresheners and specialty cleaners.