Where does plant-based salicylic acid come from?
Salicylic acid is a chemical molecule produced by the plant kingdom. It differs from fruit acids (AHAs), as salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA): an aromatic organic compound most commonly obtained from the bark of Black or White Willow. Studied for nearly 200 years for various medical applications, it has become a key ingredient in cosmetic formulations: it stimulates skin renewal, smooths imperfections and helps the epidermis renew itself.
When was it discovered?
It was first extracted from Willow bark in 1829 by French pharmacist Pierre-Joseph Leroux. This first extract was isolated and then used as a medicine (before the emergence of aspirin and paracetamol, salicylic acid was notably used to reduce fever), before later becoming widely used in herbal medicine as a concentrated balm for topical application.
How can it be identified?
In its pure form, it is colourless and has no particular odour.
In cosmetics, salicylic acid can be used to target acne thanks to its peeling action, as well as acting as a preservative or antiseptic. PATYKA Advanced Research uses plant-based salicylic acid extracted from Black Willow bark and Wintergreen, a small shrub with naturally anti-inflammatory properties.
What are the benefits of plant-based salicylic acid?
The effects of salicylic acid on the skin and complexion
Salicylic acid is ideal for improving the appearance of the skin. It unclogs pores by reducing excess sebum and removing dead skin cells responsible for a dull complexion. It helps reduce skin inflammation, soothes the skin and stimulates cell renewal. Finally, it increases collagen synthesis and stimulates circulation, making it an excellent anti-ageing active ingredient.
Salicylic acid helps tighten, firm, soothe and hydrate the skin. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, refines skin texture, brightens the complexion and leaves the skin feeling softer and more supple.
Its action is also beneficial for age-related dark spots and pigmentation caused by prolonged sun exposure, as salicylic acid has brightening properties.
Salicylic acid also targets comedones and established acne spots: thanks to its antibacterial action, it helps prevent them from developing further while reducing the appearance of pores.
Finally, salicylic acid offers highly targeted exfoliating properties. Simply coming into contact with the skin, salicylic acid helps remove dead cells from the stratum corneum of the epidermis by interacting with keratin. Without mechanical action, it promotes smoother, softer and more radiant-looking skin.
The action of plant-based salicylic acid in PATYKA skincare
At PATYKA, organic salicylic acid is used as a targeted active ingredient to care for combination to oily skin. The excess sebum produced by these two skin types can lead to an accumulation of dead cells that struggle to be eliminated naturally. The stratum corneum then becomes thicker, the complexion looks uneven and dull, and imperfections appear.
The plant-based salicylic acid used by PATYKA Advanced Research helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections and leaves the skin smoother. Its gentle exfoliating action helps regenerate and rebalance the skin while refining its texture. The skin is smoother, imperfections are diminished and pores appear tighter.
Discover all these benefits in the Balancing Purifying Lotion, an essential purifying treatment rich in effective plant-based salicylic acid, particularly suited to oily, blemish-prone and dull skin.
In PATYKA skincare products, salicylic acid is also used as a cosmetic preservative. As a powerful antibacterial ingredient, it is approved by Ecocert and helps prevent the growth of microorganisms in certified organic skincare formulations.
You now have everything you need to incorporate plant-based salicylic acid into your beauty routine! For clear and purified-looking skin, discover the complete PURE skincare collection by clicking here.