Willow bark extract

Willow bark extract (CAS 84082-82-6), derived from Salix alba, is a standardized botanical extract used across cosmetics, personal care, and health product formulations. It functions primarily as a natural preservative booster and antioxidant.

This ingredient helps formulators reduce reliance on synthetic preservation systems. In skincare and cosmetics, it is incorporated into toners, serums, and cleansers where its natural salicin content supports exfoliation and helps extend product shelf life.

Personal care manufacturers use it as a preservation-enhancing ingredient, often pairing it with mild preservative systems to meet clean-label formulation requirements. This makes it a versatile choice for modern consumer brands.

In nutraceutical and dietary supplement manufacturing, it appears in tablet and capsule formats targeting joint comfort and general wellness positioning. It is often standardized to meet USP or Ph.Eur. quality standards.

Food and beverage applications leverage its antioxidant activity to protect formulations from oxidative degradation. When used in these sectors, the extract must comply with FCC guidelines to ensure safety and purity for consumption.

Willow bark extract is supplied as a dry powder or as a liquid/glycolic extract, with powder forms being the most common for industrial use. Standard grades are available at defined salicin concentrations, typically 15%, 25%, or 98%.

These concentrations are designed to meet cosmetic, food-grade, or pharmaceutical specification requirements. Both water-soluble and oil-dispersible formats are available depending on the specific needs of the formulation and manufacturing process.