White Willow Bark Extract

White Willow Bark Extract is obtained from the bark of White Willow (Salix alba L.), a member of the Salicaceae family. The bark naturally contains salicin, related salicylates, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and other botanical constituents.

Among these constituents, Salicin is the principal marker used for standardization and quality control. Commercial standardized White Willow Bark Extracts are available in different strengths, with 15% and 25% Salicin being commonly offered grades. Higher-assay materials are also commercially available, but these should be treated as separate specifications rather than assumed for a general White Willow Extract.

For cosmetic applications, White Willow Bark Extract is primarily valued as a skin-conditioning, astringent and soothing botanical ingredient. It is particularly suitable for formulations intended for oily or combination skin, scalp care, cleansing and skin-refining applications. COSMILE Europe lists astringent, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, soothing and tonic functions for Salix alba bark extract.

The extract is generally produced using water, ethanol or hydroalcoholic extraction, followed by concentration and drying where a powder extract is required. The final chemical profile depends on the extraction process, extract ratio and degree of standardization.