Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, also known as marshmallow root extract, is a gentle, soothing botanical ingredient widely used in British skincare and haircare. It is prized for its ability to calm and hydrate the skin and scalp, leaving a soft, comfortable feel. A staple in clean-beauty formulas, it is especially popular in products for sensitive or dry skin.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract functions primarily as a soothing, conditioning and humectant agent. Rich in mucilage polysaccharides, it forms a soft, flexible film on the skin or hair that helps lock in moisture and shield against environmental irritants. Its calming properties make it a favourite in UK formulations for sensitive skin, leave-on creams, cleansing milks, sheet masks and hair conditioners where a gentle, non-irritating feel is required.
Key benefits
- Provides immediate soothing comfort
- Helps maintain skin hydration
- Forms a protective moisture barrier
- Calms appearance of redness and irritation
- Conditions and softens hair and scalp
- Improves product texture and slip
Best for
dry skin, sensitive skin, irritated skin, mature skin, dehydrated skin
Where it comes from
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract is derived from the roots of the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis), a perennial herb native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa. The roots are harvested, dried and extracted to capture their naturally high mucilage content.
Products with Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Althaea Officinalis Root Extract than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.