Willow Bark Extract: Salicylic Acid's Gentle Alternative

If you’ve ever been a teenager with bad acne (or an adult with acne problems), you’ve probably heard of salicylic acid before. Salicylic acid is an acne-fighting ingredient and can greatly improve any issues you may have.

However, this magical power comes with a price (or side effects) such as redness, irritation, and flakiness. Introducing willow bark extract! This ingredient is naturally derived and can help relieve acne issues just as good (if not better) than salicylic acid!

Origin of Willow Bark extract

Where exactly does willow bark extract come from? State the obvious: it’s a willow tree. For a point of reference, think of Grandmother Willow from Disney’s slightly problematic Pocahontas (1995) film.

However, willow bark extract only comes from the white willow tree and the black willow tree. During the harvesting season, strips of bark from the willow tree are removed and processed until the extract can be taken and used for the topical product. 

So how is it that willow bark extract can be held to the same standard of salicylic acid? Well, salicin is the base of a willow tree and has been used for medicinal anti-inflammatory uses for centuries.

People call it “Nature’s Aspirin.” Salicin is the base for willow bark extract and while salicylic acid is the metabolized derivative of salicin. A bonus benefit of willow bark extract? A study from 2010 concludes salicin can help reduce signs of aging and wrinkles! 

Skin Benefits of willow bark extract

With the help of salicin, willow bark extract can help keep skin looking young and firm. What else can willow bark extract do? As mentioned before, willow bark extract can help combat acne problems.

Willow bark extract can also reduce redness and extra oil production which is a huge plus for those with oily skin. Other skin conditions that can be balanced out include psoriasis and eczema. Willow bark extract can also help keep moisture locked in your skin which boosts the acne and aging problem. 

You should be able to use willow bark extract every day since it is gentle and comes from a plant source. Unlike using salicylic acid, willow bark extract has a lower chance of causing irritation and flakiness.

Willow Bark extract: Any Side Effects?

So far, there are no side effects to using willow bark extract. There may be occasional irritation or an allergic reaction (everyone is different) so do proceed with caution if you use willow bark extract.

Always consult with your dermatologist if something feels wrong! You should also be careful if you’re trying to use willow bark extract with retinol or vitamin C. Those last two ingredients can be pretty harsh (especially if you have sensitive skin) and you don’t want to disrupt your skin’s harmony. 

Products ft. willow bark extract

You can use willow bark extract in any product. Because willow bark extract is extra helpful with oil production and acne, you’ll usually find it in a toner! Below, we’ve included a few of the best products with willow bark extract as well as what’s been cooking in our own lab!

Paloma Serum

Rosen Skincare starts off our list with their willow bark serum. Here’s an exfoliant serum that will help smooth and brighten your skin. Willow bark extract (7% according to their website) is placed directly with 7% of glycolic acid to do the bulk of your skincare work. This willow bark extract product also uses grapefruit oil to provide a pretty, natural color, natural fragrance, and a few vitamin C additives. Make sure to apply this serum after a toner and before your moisturizer. 

Just Breathe // Clarifying Serum

This product (another serum) from Versed Skin uses willow bark extract, zinc, and niacinamide to help get your skin to chill and relax. Their serum is designed to help clear up any acne issues and extra oil production. After using this willow bark product, you’ll find yourself on the way to soft, calm skin in no time.

It’s best to use this product when your skin is slightly damp so that the serum can really sink in. The site also advises you to use this product before moisturizing so keep that in mind when integrating this willow bark extract product into your skincare routine! 

Skin Cell Turnover Mask

Now it’s Genie Supply’s turn. Rather than the two products available for personal use, try your hand at private labeling with our willow bark extract product. Our product uses willow bark extract as a wonderful mask for you to get your hands on. The product is ooey and gooey (but in a good way) and fun to use.

The willow bark extract will help exfoliate your skin (gently, of course) while the AHAs will increase skin cell turnover! All of that power equates to younger skin. Also, the willow bark mask is clear which makes you feel super fancy and super safe. Try slathering it on your face and leaving it for 15 minutes to have hydrated skin. After that, feel free to bathe in the excitement knowing that your skin is going to look and feel great. 

Look out for the debut of our Willow Bark (BHA) Toner. You won’t want to miss out on this product!

In the meantime, check out some of our other skincare masks!