White Willow bark has been used in medicine for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, where willow was used to treat pain and inflammatory conditions such as headaches, fever, toothache and back pain. In facial care, white willow bark is an incredibly soothing and purifying ingredient thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds.

Salicylic acid, the precursor for synthesising the well-known drug aspirin, was first extracted from the white willow tree (Salix alba), from which it got its name.