FSA0.45 0.45% Salicylic Acid + Flavonoids - Willowherb Clarifying Cleanser

A pH balanced cleanser designed to effectively exfoliate with 0.45% salicylic acid and flavonoids while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier. 0.45% salicylic acid (beta-hydroxy acid) with improved keratolysis using flavonoids (a class of polyphenolic bioactives found in willowherb). Salicylic acid was discovered from studying the phytochemical profile of willow bark (different than willowherb but still interesting) - In 1828, Rafael Piria, an Italian chemist, successfully isolated salicin from the bark of the white willow tree, which upon metabolization is converted to salicylic acid. With subsequent research, salicylic acid’s keratolytic (exfoliating) properties were discovered when scientists experimented with its topical application on hyperkeratotic conditions (warts, calluses, etc.) and observed its ability to break down and dissolve excess keratin, resulting in the exfoliation of dead skin cells. Synergistic to this keratolytic activity, the antimicrobial activity of flavonoids (a class of polyphenolic bioactives found in willowherb) was also discovered between the 19th and 20th centuries when there were major breakthroughs in the field of organic chemistry. It was found that flavonoids act as detoxifying agents that inactivate microbial adhesion to skin cells and disrupt bacterial membranes, providing a secondary cleansing action.