About methyl salicylatesalicylates, rubefacient, counterirritant.mechanism of action of methyl salicylatemethyl salicylate is a rubefacient. it produces reddening of the skin by dilatation of the blood vessel and gives a soothing feeling of warmth. it is also called as counterirritant because they produce their action by counter irritation. irritation of the sensory nerve endings alters pain in the underlying muscle or joints that are served by the same nerves.