Oregon Grape Root
A Root for Irritated, Problem-Prone Skin
Oregon Grape Root, Berberis aquifolium (AKA Mahonia aquifolium), comes from an evergreen, flowering shrub native to the Pacific Northwest, commonly known as Oregon grape or holly-leaved barberry. The plant is recognized by its glossy, holly-like leaves, bright yellow spring flowers, and clusters of deep purple berries.
The golden yellow root is the part traditionally harvested and used in herbal preparations. The root has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples of North America.
A member of the Berberidaceae family, Oregon grape root has a long history of topical use for problem skin. Its roots contain berberine, a naturally occurring plant compound also found in goldenseal, which helps explain the similar skin-supportive properties of these two botanicals.
Topical Skin Benefits of Oregon Grape Root
Oregon grape root is valued in skincare for its ability to support skin affected by irritation, microbial imbalance, and inflammatory conditions.
- Eases Eczema & Irritated Skin: Helps reduce itching, redness, inflammation, and scaling associated with eczema and other irritated skin conditions.
- Supports Acne-Prone Skin: Antimicrobial properties help inhibit acne-causing bacteria while calming inflamed breakouts.
- Antibacterial & Antifungal: Berberine contributes to its ability to help protect skin from bacterial and fungal overgrowth that can worsen problem skin.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Helps calm hot, irritated areas and reduce visible redness associated with eczema and rosacea flare-ups.
- Astringent: Naturally occurring tannins help tighten tissues, refine pores, and support skin clarity.
Because of these properties, Oregon grape root is commonly used in salves, ointments, soaps, and bath preparations formulated for problem-prone or reactive skin.
How We Use Oregon Grape Root
We infuse dried Oregon grape root in oil using our slow, gentle warm-infusion method. This allows the root’s beneficial oil-soluble compounds to be extracted in a mild, skin-friendly form. The finished infusion is used in natural soaps formulated for problem skin.
Loose Oregon grape root is also added to herbal bath tea blends for problem skin, where warm water helps release its soothing and cleansing properties.
Oregon grape root is a strong, targeted botanical best suited for skin that needs extra support. Its combination of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties makes it especially useful in formulations designed for eczema-prone, acne-prone, or chronically irritated skin.
