The use of extract(s) (I) of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha； Indian ginseng) is claimed as a skin treatment active agent, for protecting the skin and/or combating factors adversely affecting its activity and appearance. Independent claims are included for: (1) the production of a Withania somnifera extract (I') suitable for use as above, involving (i) dissolving Withania somnifera root powder in water in an amount of at least 100 g/l (preferably in a basic medium), (ii) carrying out one or more enzymatic hydrolysis steps, successively or simultaneously, (iii) separating the soluble and insoluble phases by decantation, (iv) thermally treating to deactivate the enzymes, (v) filtering to concentrate the active fraction and (vi) sterile filtering； and (2) an active agent (I') obtained by the process, having dry solids content 30-300 g/l, pH 3-7 and total sugars content 18-213 g/l.
