Marshmallow root extract (we'll call it "MRE" for short) comes from the Althaea plant native to Northern Africa, Europe, and Western Asia. According to Howe, "The roots of the marshmallow plant contain a thick, gummy substance called mucilage. The mucilage is extracted from the root and used for medicinal purposes. In addition to mucilage, the root extract contains a number of other ingredients that promote skin health, such as polysaccharides and flavonoids."