Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract is a compound of natural origin obtained from birch, a plant belonging to the botanical family Betulaceae.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• "Betula Alba" is the botanical name for white birch, a type of tree commonly found in Europe and parts of Asia.
• "Bark" indicates that the extract comes from the bark of the tree.
• "Extract" refers to a substance obtained by extracting desired components from the plant, usually through processes like infusion, decoction, or maceration.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Betula Alba Bark - Sourced from white birch trees.
• Solvent - Commonly water, ethanol, or a combination of both.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process

• Collection - The bark from the white birch tree is harvested, preferably from younger trees or branches from older trees.
• Cleaning - The bark is cleaned to remove impurities such as soil or other contaminants.
• Extraction - The cleaned bark is immersed in the solvent for a set period, allowing the bioactive substances to be extracted.
• Filtration - The liquid is filtered to remove any remaining solid particles.
• Concentration - The filtered liquid is then concentrated, often by evaporation, to yield a richer extract.
• Drying - If necessary, the extract can be further dried to obtain a powder form.
• Quality Control - A quality check is done on the extract to ensure it meets the desired specifications.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Fragrance. It plays a decisive and important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.

Flavoring agent. The purpose of this ingredient is to modify the solution to impart a certain flavour. Natural flavouring extracts are rather expensive, so the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries resort to synthesised substances that have sensory characteristics mostly similar to natural flavourings or are naturally equivalent. This ingredient is isolated through chemical processes or is synthesised from chemicals. It is also referred to as Aroma.

CAS   84012-15-7

EC number   281-660-9

Commercial applications

Cosmetics. Used for its astringent, toning, and soothing properties in skincare products.

Anti-aging Treatments. Due to its antioxidant properties, it's often incorporated into anti-aging products.

Hair Products. Added to hair products to promote scalp health and prevent dandruff.

Herbal Medicine. Traditionally utilized in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

Sunscreen Products. Can be included in sun lotions for its soothing benefits.