People often ask what is in the name Mallow. The answer is a plant. Marshmallow root, or Althaea officinalis, has been used to soothe skin for centuries, and it has been at the heart of our formulas since Imogen began blending in 2017.
A very old soothing plant
The plant itself is tall and soft, with pale pink flowers in late summer. Long before it reached a skincare shelf, the root was brewed and pressed to calm and comfort. Our name comes from it, and it is the one ingredient you will find in almost everything we make. Some people still keep a jar of the dried root at home for the same reason.
Why the gel matters
The root is rich in mucilage, a natural gel that holds water against the skin. That is the everyday work of it: it draws water in and keeps it there, so skin feels softer and the look of redness calms. It is gentle enough for reactive skin and it plays well with everything else in a formula, which is why we reach for it again and again.
You will often see marshmallow root near the bottom of an ingredient list, which is normal. It is a botanical extract, so a small amount goes a long way, and it works alongside the other ingredients rather than on its own.
Where you will find it
Our root comes from one family farm in Herefordshire and is harvested each autumn, then blended into small batches at the studio in Manchester. You will find it in our cleansers, serums, moisturisers, masks, SPF and body care, from Oat Milk Cleansing Balm to Marshmallow Body Lotion. It is patch tested on sensitive skin before any batch goes out, so it is a gentle choice for skin that reacts easily.
Is it right for you?
It is one of the kindest ingredients we know, and it suits most skin, including skin that reacts easily. As with anything new, patch test behind the ear for 48 hours first. It is skincare, not a medicine, so for any skin condition please talk to a GP. If you would like help choosing, reply to hello@mallowskin.co.uk and we will point you the right way.
