Willow Bark Extract: A Botanical Active in Skin Care
Willow bark extract is a botanical raw material generally obtained from the bark of the white willow tree (Salix alba). Because it contains natural salicylates, salicin in particular, it is preferred in purifying and smoothing skin care products.
Willow bark extract is not the same raw material as salicylic acid. The amount of salicin it contains may vary according to the species of the plant, the extraction method and the standardisation of the product. This allows willow bark extract to be considered in cosmetic products intended to support the appearance of the skin.
Use in Cosmetic Products
Willow bark extract can be used in formulations aiming for the skin to look cleaner, more balanced and smoother.
Its main fields of use:
- Tonics and facial cleansing products
- Serums and care creams
- Moisturisers
- Purifying masks
- Products for oily skin
- Peeling and pore care products
- Scalp care products
Particularly in products developed for oily skin and skin prone to a blemished appearance, it can be considered as a care constituent that helps balance the appearance of excess sebum and purify the skin surface.
In cosmetic communication, instead of "treats acne", expressions within cosmetic boundaries such as "supports the care of acne-prone skin" or "helps reduce the appearance of blemished skin" should be preferred.
Points to Watch in Formulation
Before a product is used, the INCI name, the extraction method, the solvent system, the salicin value, the pH and the recommended use level should be checked. If a particular peeling effect is being targeted, not only the name of the extract but also the standardised salicin amount should be taken into account.
The necessary safety assessments should be carried out for people with salicylate sensitivity; the dermatological suitability of the final product, its stability and the effectiveness of its preservative system should be tested.
Greenext Willow Bark Extract is one of the versatile cosmetic raw materials that gives a botanical identity to tonics, serums, creams and purifying care products.
