Ingredient Spotlight: Willow Bark Extract, the Natural Exfoliant

We’ve highlighted honey propolis, the anti-aging and brightening superstar ingredient that drenches skin in pure hydration. Now we’re bringing the spotlight on a lesser known skincare ingredient that acts as an effective, natural exfoliant: Willow Bark Extract. 

The skin-soothing ingredient is derived from the bark of the white willow bark, used for centuries to alleviate irritation and even pain—considered by many as “nature’s aspirin.” With various skin benefits, it reduces the appearance of pores, diminishes wrinkles, and evens out skin tone. More prominently, Willow Bark Extract acts as a non-irritating, gentle exfoliant, which sloughs off dead skin cells to promote regeneration of skin, revealing a radiant, youthful complexion. 

If you have oily and acne-prone skin, this ingredient is a godsend! With regular use, it helps reduce excess sebum production and acne. It even helps aid skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea! 

Think you should introduce the ingredient to your arsenal of products? We have our top skincare recommendations with Willow Bark Extract ahead!

A foam-type cleanser ideal for oily and acne-prone skin is the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser. Designed for daily use, it’s made with 0.9% salicylic acid, which effectively dissolves dirt and controls excess sebum. It’s also formulated with other botanical ingredients like tea tree oil, which soothes irritated skin. 

For years, beauty enthusiasts have been abuzz with talk about the SON & PARK Beauty Water. The multi-tasking, multi-benefit product can be used as a cleansing water and hydrating toner to condition skin. It’s incredibly lightweight and water-like—perfect for layering! A holy grail for top Korean celebrity makeup artists, it gently cleanses makeup and dirt to refresh skin and create the perfect base.  

Introducing active ingredients to one’s routine like AHA and BHA prove tricky, especially when one’s just starting to delve into skincare. The COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is gentle and safe enough for daily use, especially for congested skin. It melts away dead skin cells and enhances skin vitality, powered with glycolic acid and willow bark water. Best of all, it prevents pesky whiteheads and blackheads caused by slow cell turnover!

Another pore-clearing treatment is the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, which seeps into skin to clear away deep, stubborn impurities. With niacinamide, it brightens skin and lessens the look of fine lines. And did we mention that it’s a great dupe for the Biologique Recherche P50 Lotion? You can find more K-Beauty dupes here!

Willow Bark Extract is a multipurpose ingredient providing gentle exfoliation to skin while helping reduce signs of aging and even acne! It’s time to include it in your day-to-day routine; you absolutely won’t regret it!