In this article:
What is marshmallow root extract?
What are the benefits of marshmallow root?
Is marshmallow root good for skin?
Is marshmallow root moisturising?
What are the uses of marshmallow root?
How do I use marshmallow root extract?
What products can you not mix with marshmallow root?
Marshmallow root extract, AKA Althaea officinalis, is a plant-derived ingredient gaining a following in the skin care world. The word “marshmallow” might conjure images of white, pillowy sweet treats and have you wondering just how this extract can be beneficial for skin. That’s why we’re here to break it down for you.
We’re sharing our complete guide on marshmallow root extract in skin care, outlining what it is, how it benefits skin and who marshmallow root is best for so you know exactly what to look for when you’re ready to shop for skin care.
What is marshmallow root extract?
Marshmallow root extract is a natural plant extract derived from the flowering marshmallow plant, native to parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. Beyond its application in skin care, this multi-tasking root extract’s long been used in traditional and herbal medicinal practices and is even currently being studied for its use in curbing coughs associated with a dry throat (4).
What’s particularly interesting about marshmallow root extract is its varying uses and abilities within the skin care world. Many of the skin benefits attributed to the marshmallow plant come from the root’s polysaccharide-filled mucilage, a thick, gummy substance found in plants and seeds (2). Beyond this, the root extract itself contains antioxidant-rich compounds.
What are the benefits of marshmallow root?
Marshmallow root benefits skin in a number of ways. What’s truly exciting about this ingredient is that its applications are expanding as more research is done to verify visible results.
Is marshmallow root good for skin?
In topical skin care applications, the lightly emollient marshmallow root extract is good for soothing, calming redness and protecting skin from harmful, pro-ageing external threats. Marshmallow root extract’s unique benefits lend themselves wonderfully to skin care products designed for all skin types, but it’s especially helpful for sensitive skin types or those prone to eczema and/or rosacea.
The root’s antioxidant content works to curb the visible signs of ageing that occur from environmental damage, like fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, while polysaccharides present in the mucilage get to smoothing and water-binding. Beyond this, the mucilage present in marshmallow root extract can work much like a hydrocolloid bandage or sticker, forming a protective layer between skin and potential irritants. In doing so, compromised skin is in a better position to improve itself. In essence, marshmallow root offers both soothing and anti-ageing benefits.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman says, “The eye area is particularly appealing for application of marshmallow root extract because the eye area is so delicate and prone to sensitivity.” He continues, “Marshmallow root extract is a great way to address visible concerns while preventing future ones.”
Is marshmallow root moisturising?
As an emollient, this ingredient assists the skin in preventing water loss, keeping skin smooth, plump and hydrated. Its hydrating abilities don’t stop there. This plant extract interestingly works to protect skin’s natural supply of hyaluronic acid from enzymes which seek to break them down.
For those who aren’t familiar, hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that keeps skin hydrated and renewed (5). Through its defence of hyaluronic acid from these enzymes, marshmallow root extract goes the extra mile, further helping keep skin hydrated. It’s particularly effective at hydrating when paired with skin-replenishing ingredients like ceramides and amino acids.
What are the uses of marshmallow root?
Marshmallow root uses span across the skin care board. Due to its many benefits, it’s often included in hydrating and soothing cleansers, toners, moisturisers and treatments that target sensitive or dry skin. It’s safe for use in skin care and cosmetics, with only small percentages of this extract needed to produce the benefits outlined above.
Hair care and body care definitely do not miss out on marshmallow, looping the ingredient into hair conditioners, hair styling products, body lotions and treatments, mainly for its hydrating properties. However, there might be more to marshmallow’s presence in hair care formulas, with preliminary research suggesting marshmallow root extract can have a positive impact on head hair growth (3). More peer-reviewed research is needed to confirm this correlation.
Additionally, “marshmallow root has antibacterial activity that may make it effective in wound healing,” says Dr. Hartman. “The results of one study suggest that marshmallow root extract could potentially treat gram positive bacteria” (6).
As mentioned before, outside of skin, hair and body care, marshmallow root extract is also used in cough lozenges to help combat a dry cough.
How do I use marshmallow root extract?
After learning more about marshmallow root extract, you’re probably curious about exactly how you can incorporate the ingredient into your skin care routine. Well lucky for you, it’s quite easy! This beneficial, multi-tasking ingredient is included in a vast array of skin care products for all skin types, and can be used in both your morning and nighttime routines.
If you’re struggling with sensitivity, look for a leave-on skin care product formulated with marshmallow root extract, like a toner, treatment, or moisturiser. The prolonged exposure to skin that leave-on products allow really lets the extract works its skin magic.
We at Paula’s Choice recognise the number of benefits that marshmallow root extract offers, so this plant extract is a star ingredient in our CALM Nourishing Milky Toner. This hydrating and soothing toner’s unique, oil-free texture delivers a full house of replenishing and calming ingredients, including marshmallow root extract, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate to promote skin barrier recovery and visibly reduce irritation. It really highlights the best that marshmallow offers. Simply apply it after cleansing and let your skin soak up all of its calming ingredients.
When looking for skin care products with this ingredient, make sure to take packaging into consideration. If you’re looking to marshmallow extract for its few antioxidant benefits, make sure the packaging of the product you’re considering is air-tight and light-proof, as routine exposure to both degrades antioxidants.
What products can you not mix with marshmallow root?
Marshmallow root extract is a gentle ingredient that can be used alongside many types of skin care products containing varying ingredients. It’s a great ingredient to layer with others because of its soothing nature and it doesn’t hinder the efficacy of any other cosmetic ingredients or over-the-counter actives like sunscreen or benzoyl peroxide.
If you have sensitive, redness-prone skin and want to use more potent ingredients like retinol or higher concentrations of vitamin C, the calming properties that marshmallow offers can help improve skin’s tolerance to these ingredients, meaning you get all their benefits while minimising the chance of sensitised response.
Learn more about skin care ingredients.
References for this information:
- Phytotherapy Research, March 2021, pages 1,389–1,398
- Pharmacognosy Magazine, April 2019, pages S155 - S161
- Journal of Medicinal Plants, March 2018, pages 35-46
- Complementary Medicine Research, August 2018, ePublication
- International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, December 2018, pages 1,682-1,695
- Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, March-April 2015, pages 105-112
- Journal of Natural Products, January 2017, pages 290-297
- Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, November 2013, pages 1,103-1,107
- Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, December 2011, pages 6,972-6,976
- Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, October 2011, pages 5,662-5,666
- Food Hydrocolloids for Health, January 2021, ePublication
