Reap the Benefits of Salicylic Acid—Without Any Irritation

by Nurain Alicharan

Published May 25, 2023

Looking for a natural, gentler alternative to salicylic acid? Willow bark extract is just that. While the buzzy alternative seems to be gaining more and more traction in skincare formulas recently, it’s been soothing irritated skin for centuries.

What is willow bark extract?

For starters, it’s derived from the bark of the willow tree, native to eastern North America, and contains salicin—the plant form of acne-fighting powerhouse salicylic acid.

There are white, black, and purple willow bark trees, but you’ll most likely see white willow bark or black willow bark extracts in beauty products.

Benefits of willow bark extract

If the plant has been used medicinally for thousands of years, there must be a reason…or two. The plant is packed with both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits that help clear pores, calm acne and irritation, and improve the look of pores and fine lines. It gently exfoliates skin for a more radiant, healthy-looking complexion and features antioxidants to retain moisture and keep skin hydrated.

Aside from salicin, willow bark also features tannins—natural astringents that help keep skin tight and reduce the look of pores and oil, helping minimize breakouts. Plus, flavonoids and phenolic acids help fight against free radical damage, minimize signs of aging, and reduce wrinkles.

How does willow bark extract stack up against salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid used in skincare is metabolized, making it more powerful. While this makes for a more effective exfoliant, it can also come with drawbacks like redness, flaking, and dryness. If you have more resilient skin and want the mighty effects of salicylic acid, stick to the potent BHA. But if you want to reap the benefits of salicylic acid without the drawbacks, willow bark extract strikes the ideal balance.

Our favorite willow bark extract-infused formulas

Herbivore Prism AHA + BHA

A naturally-derived AHA blend meets willow bark extract to gently resurface skin and reveal skin clarity and improved texture and tone.

Beautylish recommends:

Jeffree Star Cosmetics Strawberry Skincare

White willow bark and niacinamide help to reduce redness and rebalance the skin tone, while snow mushroom and alpha hydroxy acids gently exfoliate and hydrate for clean, clear—but never stripped—skin.

Beautylish recommends:

Herbivore Aquarius BHA Blue Tansy

The perfect balancing act—willow bark gently exfoliates and clears clogged pores to refine skin texture, while blue tansy oil soothes the appearance of redness and irritation.

Beautylish recommends: