Aroma-Zone Plant-Based Salicylic Acid Active Ingredient

INCI Name: Salix Nigra Bark Extract

NATURAL / SYNTHETIC: Naturally derived active ingredient

VEGAN - CERTIFICATIONS

BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Salicylic acid is a phenolic beta-hydroxy acid. In cosmetics, its small size allows it to easily penetrate the epidermis. Its anti-inflammatory properties attracted the interest of chemists early on, though they modified it due to its unpleasant taste. This resulted in a new molecule, acetylsalicylic acid, better known as “aspirin.”

TRACEABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY

The plant-based salicylic acid used at Aroma-Zone is extracted from black willow bark.

The skin concerns addressed include blackheads and comedones, excess sebum, lack of radiance, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation spots.

It purifies the skin and unclogs pores, helps eliminate blackheads, reduces blemishes, minimizes uneven skin tone, stimulates skin regeneration, and leaves the skin smoother and softer.

In fact, this active ingredient offers multiple benefits: 

• Gentle exfoliation: it removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and promotes cell renewal

• Deep-cleansing action: by purifying the pores, it helps limit the buildup of sebum and impurities

• Prevention of blackheads: it reduces the formation of comedones and helps maintain healthier, more balanced skin

• Sebum regulation: it balances sebum production, helping to prevent excess shine and blemishes

• Purifying action: helps limit the bacterial growth responsible for skin imperfections

• Supports cell renewal: it promotes epidermal regeneration for smoother, softer skin

• Improved skin texture: helps refine skin texture and restore radiance and evenness to the complexion

• Correction of irregularities: it helps fade pigment spots, fine lines, and minor surface imperfections.

Plant-based salicylic acid is a natural compound found in several plants, including willow and meadowsweet. With its exfoliating action, it unclogs pores, regulates excess sebum, and reduces skin imperfections. Skin imperfections, such as dark spots or marks left by old blackheads, are reduced, and skin texture is refined. Another benefit is that exfoliating the skin’s surface cells stimulates epidermal regeneration: collagen levels increase and wrinkles are reduced.

Salicylic acid also possesses anti-inflammatory activity thanks to its inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenases, enzymes involved in the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. This property gives it soothing effects that are particularly valued for relieving the discomfort and tightness associated with blackheads. However, since this effect is primarily intended to support skin comfort, it is not recommended to use this active ingredient on extremely sensitive skin.

Charlie holds a Master’s degree in cosmetic formulation. Passionate about cosmetology but also a great lover of words, she decided in 2020 to become a web editor specialising in cosmetics and beauty. It was her desire for a career change that gave her the idea of going freelance, as she wanted to be able to work from all corners of the world.