What is Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract?

Its mucilage delivers an instant cushioning feel, helps reduce the sensation of tightness, and gives a soft-focus, hydrated finish. The film-forming sugars support barrier comfort and pair well with humectants to reduce TEWL (water loss).

It provides excellent slip and detangling, reducing snagging and breakage on wet hair. On the scalp, it offers a calm, lightly hydrated feel and improves product spreadability in shampoos/leave-ins.

Yes—its slip + soft film help clump curls, enhance definition, and tamp down frizz without greasy weight. Great in leave-ins, curl creams, and co-washes.

- Marshmallow: mucilage-driven slip and surface cushioning.
- Aloe: watery humectant + soothing with a cooler feel.
- Panthenol: humectant that adds shine and combability.

It’s non-oily and non-comedogenic. Properly formulated, it leaves a silky, non-tacky finish—especially when balanced with lightweight emollients (e.g., squalane, CCT).

Generally well-tolerated and used in gentle formulas. Choose fragrance-light products and patch test if you’re highly reactive or have plant sensitivities.

Yes—the mucilage forms a slippery micro-film that improves combability, cuts friction, and smooths the cuticle so hair looks shinier and more manageable.

- Skin: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, squalane, ceramides, allantoin.
- Hair: behentrimonium methosulfate (BTMS), cetrimonium chloride, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, panthenol, hydrolyzed rice/oat protein, camellia/jojoba oils.

Look for INCI: Althaea Officinalis Root Extract (sometimes “Marshmallow Root Extract”). It often appears alongside humectants, conditioning quats, and light oils in soothing/ detangling formulas.