Everything you need to know about functional botanicals and how to use them in your products

Natural extracts are more than just trending ingredients. They are functional plant-based actives that bring real value to skincare, soap, and body care formulas. Whether you are targeting hydration, brightening, calming, or clarifying effects, the right extract can help deliver visible results using clean ingredients that customers love.

At Natural Bulk Supplies, we offer a curated collection of glycerin-based water-soluble extracts that are preserved, clearly labeled, and available in maker-friendly sizes. Whether you are testing a batch or filling regular orders, every extract we carry is selected for its performance and reliability.

Let’s explore what these ingredients are and how they fit into modern formulating.

What Are Natural Extracts

Natural extracts are concentrated ingredients made from different parts of plants, such as roots, fruits, herbs, flowers, and leaves. These plant materials are processed using gentle methods that pull out beneficial compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, vitamins, and antioxidants. The result is a liquid ingredient that can be added to creams, gels, toners, cleansers, and other personal care products.

What makes extracts unique is that they contain more than one active compound. They offer natural synergy, meaning several compounds work together in a way that is often more effective than a single isolated active. For example:

• Cucumber extract hydrates and reduces puffiness through polysaccharides and minerals
  
  
• Chamomile extract calms irritation and improves skin comfort with bisabolol and apigenin
  
  
• Centella asiatica helps firm and repair the skin with compounds that stimulate collagen
  
  
• Willow bark exfoliates gently with natural salicin while also providing antioxidant support
  
  

At Natural Bulk Supplies, every extract is preserved and formulated for safe, easy use in cosmetic and personal care formulations. Our collection includes both water-based and oil-based options and continues to grow as we expand our catalog to meet customer needs.

Whether you are making facial products, body creams, toners, cleansers, or specialty care items, there is a botanical extract that can add real function to your formula.

Is Willow Bark a Natural Alternative to Salicylic Acid?

Willow Bark Extract

INCI: Water, Glycerin, Salix Nigra Willow Bark Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

Willow bark extract is a popular natural exfoliant used for its ability to improve clarity and reduce oiliness. It contains salicin, a compound that can convert to salicylic acid on the skin, providing gentle yet effective exfoliation without the harshness of synthetic acids. It also includes gallotannins, which offer antioxidant support.

Use in: Toners, acne-control gels, oil balancing masks
Suggested use level: 1 to 10 percent
Solubility: Water soluble
Note: Add during the cool-down phase. Start with lower concentrations in sensitive formulas.

Can Turmeric Extract Help Brighten the Skin?

Turmeric Extract

INCI: Water, Glycerin, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol

Turmeric extract is a powerful botanical used in skincare for its visible brightening and calming effects. Long known for its traditional use in skin remedies, turmeric has gained popularity in modern formulations for improving uneven tone and reducing the appearance of dull or tired-looking skin.

Use in: Brightening serums, glow creams, after-sun products
Suggested use level: 1 to 5 percent
Solubility: Water soluble
Note: Add during the cool-down phase. It may contribute a yellow tint to finished products depending on the usage level.

What Does Caffeine Extract Do for Tired or Puffy Skin?

Caffeine Extract

INCI: Water, Glycerin, Caffeine, Phenoxyethanol

Caffeine extract is a well-known ingredient in skincare primarily valued for its role in reducing puffiness and helping the skin appear more energized. It is often used in eye care and toning products where its firming and circulation-supporting properties can be seen quickly.

Use in: Eye gels, toning mists, facial serums, firming lotions
Suggested use level: 1 to 5 percent
Solubility: Water soluble
Note: Add to the cool-down phase. Best used in water-based or emulsified systems.

Why is Aloe Vera Extract So Popular in Skincare?

Aloe Vera Extract

INCI: Water, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

Aloe vera extract is a well-known ingredient in skincare, prized for its ability to soothe, hydrate, and support skin comfort. Naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, it helps the skin retain moisture while offering a refreshing and calming effect.

Use in: Lotions, face masks, soothing creams, scrubs, after-sun care
Suggested use level: 0.5 to 5 percent
Solubility: Water soluble
Note: Add during the cool-down phase for optimal stability. For external use only.

What Other Botanical Extracts Are Good for Skin?

The following extracts are also part of the NBS catalog, and each brings its skin benefits to your formulations:

• Watermelon Extract
  Rich in amino acids, lycopene, and vitamins A and C. Supports hydration and antioxidant protection.
  
  
• Calendula Extract
  Reduces visible redness and promotes healing. Great for baby care and sensitive skin.
  
  
• Carrot Seed Extract
  Supports elasticity and tone with beta carotene. Ideal for mature or dry skin.
  
  
• Green Tea Extract
  Offers antioxidant and oil-balancing benefits. Suitable for acne and anti-aging products.
  
  
• Licorice Root Extract
  Helps brighten skin and reduce the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
  
  
• Rosemary Leaf Extract
  Mildly antimicrobial. Great for oily, blemish-prone skin and scalp care.
  
  

How to Use NBS Extracts in Your Products

All extracts from Natural Bulk Supplies are:

• Water-compatible and compatible with most emulsions, serums, and gels
  
  
• Preserved and safe for use in cosmetic formulations
  
  
• Best added during the cool-down phase under 45°C
  
  
• Recommended usage: 0.5 to 5 percent, depending on extract and formula type
  
  

Where to Buy Natural Extracts in Bulk?

If you are creating your skincare, haircare, or home product line and need high-quality extracts without high minimums or slow shipping, you are in the right place.

NaturalBulkSupplies.com offers:

• Extract sizes from 2 oz to 1 lb
  
  
• Fast shipping
  
  
• Preserved and clearly labeled extracts with full INCI
  
  

Need larger quantities?
For bulk orders over 1 lb, email us at info@naturalbulksupplies.com with the quantity and product you need. We’ll be happy to provide a custom quote.

Explore the full extract collection here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of using natural extracts in skincare?
They offer antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and essential nutrients that support skin health.

How do I incorporate botanical extracts into my skincare routine?
Add them to serums, creams, and masks, following solubility and usage rate guidelines.

Are natural skincare products suitable for all skin types?
Most are gentle, but choose based on your skin needs and patch test new ingredients.

Can I use multiple botanical extracts in one formulation?
Yes—just ensure compatibility and balanced concentrations.

Where can I purchase high-quality natural extracts in bulk?
Visit NaturalBulkSupplies.com for a wide range of premium extracts.

Ready to Formulate With Confidence

With these functional extracts in your toolbox, you can build better products using proven natural ingredients. Each extract is backed by fundamental research and trusted by thousands of makers and formulators across the USA.

Let us know if you need help choosing the right one or want to learn more about formulation strategies using botanicals.