Derived by maceration or steam distillation from a shrub indigenous to North America and cultivated in Europe, this extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, healing and soothing properties. It has a long history of use in oral health care. One of nature’s best astringents, it is frequently used in products like after shave lotions, where it shows mildly styptic properties and helps to reduce razor burn and swelling. It also can be used as a toner or in place of a cleanser, where it is particularly beneficial in clearing oily skin. The extract is also beneficial in treating skin irritations and can be used to wash wounds and calm the itch of bug bites and stings.