Sassafras officinale extract is an extract from the bark and roots of Sassafras officinale (albidum), the fennel wood (English: sassafras), a deciduous tree of the laurel family that grows to a height of 30m. The plant species is native to North America and Canada.
The strong fennel-like smelling extract (fennel wood bark) is used in cosmetic formulations. Among other things it contains safrole. It has a stimulating and skin-caring effect (keeps the skin in good condition).