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Salix Alba Bark Extract

In Skincare: Is Salix Alba Bark Extract Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
3/5 — Moderate risk

Safety Information

Limited safety data available for high concentrations or prolonged use on broken skin; avoid in individuals with known salicylate sensitivity.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Salix Alba Bark Extract, derived from white willow bark, provides skin-soothing and antioxidant properties.

  • 02

    This extract contains salicin, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which are naturally occurring compounds found in white willow bark.

  • 03

    Salix Alba Bark Extract can complement the effects of salicylic acid, potentially supporting clearer skin for those prone to blemishes.

  • 04

    Salix Alba Bark Extract is also known as willow bark extract.

Key Benefits

What Salix Alba Bark Extract does for your skin

3 benefits
Soothing
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Willow bark extract, derived from the _Salix alba_ tree, is a plant extract known for its skin-soothing properties. It contains salicin, which exhibits antioxidant activity and may contribute to anti-aging effects, alongside polyphenols and tannins that can support clearer skin. Clinical studies suggest that willow bark extract, particularly in combination with niacinamide, may help regulate excess oil and reduce blemishes. Additionally, a 2% concentration has been shown to support hyaluronic acid and improve the appearance of fine lines and dark circles in the eye area.
Classifications
Plant Extracts
Antioxidant

Role of Salix Alba Bark Extract

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

ASTRINGENT

Pore Tightener

Temporarily tightens pores and reduces excess oil

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Astringents cause temporary contraction of skin tissues through protein coagulation and precipitation. Common astringents include alcohol, witch hazel (containing tannins), alum (aluminum potassium sulfate), and plant tannins. The mechanism involves inducing vasoconstriction, precipitating proteins in cell membranes, and denaturing surface proteins which creates temporary tightening sensation.

HAIR CONDITIONING

Hair Softener

Improves hair manageability, softness, and appearance

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Hair conditioning ingredients smooth the cuticle, reduce frizz, and add shine through cationic surfactants (behentrimonium chloride), silicones (dimethicone, amodimethicone), natural oils, and proteins. These deposit on negatively charged damaged sites, neutralizing charge, filling surface irregularities, and providing lubrication. Mechanism involves electrostatic attraction, film formation, and surface smoothing.

SKIN CONDITIONING

Skin Enhancer

Maintains skin in good condition and improves its feel

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.

SOOTHING

Calming Agent

Calms and comforts irritated or sensitive skin

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Soothing ingredients reduce discomfort, redness, and inflammation through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Include allantoin (stimulates healing), bisabolol (anti-inflammatory), colloidal oatmeal (skin protectant), panthenol (hydrating, barrier repair), and botanical extracts (aloe, chamomile, calendula). Mechanisms involve inhibiting inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, cytokines), reducing histamine release, strengthening barrier function, and providing cooling sensation. Essential for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.

TONIC

Revitalizer

Refreshes and revitalizes skin

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Tonic ingredients provide invigorating, refreshing, and revitalizing benefits through astringent properties, vasoconstrictive effects, or sensory stimulation. May include alcohol, witch hazel, citrus extracts, and botanical toners. Mechanism involves temporary vasoconstriction creating fresh feeling, mild astringency tightening skin, and stimulation of nerve endings. Historically used to complete cleansing routine, remove residual impurities, refresh skin, and prepare for subsequent treatments.

Products

containing Salix Alba Bark Extract

1808 formulations
Enjoy Super Active Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
Enjoy Super Active Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
SCINIC · sunscreen
Enjoy All Round Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
Enjoy All Round Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
SCINIC · sunscreen
Daily Face Wash
Daily Face Wash
Tiege Hanley · cleanser

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2024, pages 958–963

[2]

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2023, pages 636–646

[3]

PLoS ONE, October 2018, pages 1-27

[4]

Phytotherapy Research, August 2015, pages 1,112-1,116; and July 2011, pages 1,102-1,104

[5]

Free Radical Biology and Medicine, December 2013, pages 1,506-1,515

[6]

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2011, pages 416-420

[7]

Phytomedicine, December 2010, pages 1,106-1,113

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salix Alba Bark Extract — common questions

What is Salix Alba Bark Extract in skincare?

Salix Alba Bark Extract is an extract of the bark of the White Willow, Salix alba L., salicaceae

What does Salix Alba Bark Extract do? / Functions of Salix Alba Bark Extract?

Common functions: ASTRINGENT, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SOOTHING, TONIC.

What is the comedogenic rating of Salix Alba Bark Extract? / Is Salix Alba Bark Extract comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Salix Alba Bark Extract has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Salix Alba Bark Extract clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Salix Alba Bark Extract safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Salix Alba Bark Extract has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Limited safety data available for high concentrations or prolonged use on broken skin; avoid in individuals with known salicylate sensitivity.

Is Salix Alba Bark Extract good for sensitive skin?
3 3/5 — Moderate risk

Salix Alba Bark Extract has an irritancy rating of 3 out of 5. A rating of 3 means it may cause mild irritation for some.

What are the side effects of Salix Alba Bark Extract in skincare?

Known considerations: Limited safety data available for high concentrations or prolonged use on broken skin; avoid in individuals with known salicylate sensitivity. Additional risks: skin irritation (irritancy rating 3/5).

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