Salix Alba Bark Extract (White Willow)
White willow bark extract containing salicin. In cells it reduced inflammation. Exfoliation has not been measured, and the extract is not equivalent to salicylic acid
Evidence by route
Topical application
For acne, the extract alone has been studied only in cells, where it reduced inflammatory signals in keratinocytes exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Exfoliation, oil control and post-acne marks have not been studied for the extract itself. Human data exist only for mixtures with niacinamide or other plant extracts
- C
Acne
In keratinocytes exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide the extract reduced inflammatory cytokines (Di Caprio 2019, Bassino 2018); there are no studies of the extract alone in people with acne
- D
Exfoliation
Exfoliation by the extract has not been measured, and data on salicylic acid do not apply to it
- D
Oil control
Sebum decreased only with a mixture that also contained niacinamide and lentil seed extract, in an open study without a control group (Yang 2024)
- D
Post-acne marks
There are no studies on post-acne marks or pigmentation
- Bassino E et al. Pleiotropic Effects of White Willow Bark and 1,2-Decanediol on Human Adult Keratinocytes. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2018;31(1):10-18. PMID 29131127
- Di Caprio R et al. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of 1,2-decanediol and willow bark extract in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated keratinocytes. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2019;154(6):624-631. PMID 28712268
- Yang F et al. The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(3):958-963. PMID 38140770
- Seiwerth J et al. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Novel Topical Herbal Composition (VEL-091604) Consisting of Gentian Root, Licorice Root and Willow Bark Extract. Planta Med. 2019;85(7):608-614. PMID 30690691
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Suitable for
- Normal, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
White willow bark extract (INCI Salix Alba Bark Extract) is made from the bark of Salix alba. The bark contains salicin, a glycoside related to salicylic acid, and has long been used as a remedy for fever, pain and inflammation (Di Caprio 2019). The extract goes into toners and serums for oily and acne-prone skin. Salicin is not salicylic acid. How much of it turns into salicylic acid in the skin has not been measured, and neither has exfoliation by the extract. For acne, the extract alone has been studied only in cells. In keratinocytes stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide it reduced the release of IL-8, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and limited the loss of glutathione and NADPH (Di Caprio 2019). In a similar model it partly restored scratch-wound repair (Bassino 2018). The two papers share an author. Human studies tested only mixtures. In an open 56-day study by the developer, 30 people with oily skin used an emulsion with niacinamide, lentil seed and willow bark extracts. Sebum and acne decreased and pores looked smaller, but there was no control group (Yang 2024). In 42 volunteers, a cream with gentian, licorice and willow bark extracts reduced UV erythema more than placebo and as much as 1% hydrocortisone (Seiwerth 2019). Willow's share in these results is unknown. There are no data on sensitization to the bark extract. People allergic to salicylates or aspirin should discuss it with a doctor. There are no data on use during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in children.
Frequently asked questions
Is Salix Alba Bark Extract (White Willow) safe during pregnancy?
Salix Alba Bark Extract (White Willow) should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Salix Alba Bark Extract (White Willow) for?
Salix Alba Bark Extract (White Willow) suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Salix Alba Bark Extract (White Willow) and what does it do in cosmetics?
White willow bark extract containing salicin.
What's the INCI name for Salix Alba Bark Extract (White Willow)?
The INCI name is Salix Alba Bark Extract. It may also appear as: Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract, White Willow Bark Extract.
See Salix Alba Bark Extract (White Willow) in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar in action
Explore by category
Ingredients in the same category
Sarcosine, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Succinic Acid, Sulfur, Trifarotene, Azelaic Acid, Clindamycin Phosphate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Published: · updated: