Herbal Cosmetics: A Comprehensive Review of Active Components and Marketed Products

The concept of beauty and cosmetics is as ancient as mankind and civilization. They therefore utilise a variety of herbal-infused beauty products to seem lovely and youthful.  The use of Indian plants is well known around the world. A natural present that is in high demand on the global market is an herbal cosmetic. Because of their potent effects and comparably less or absent adverse effects as compared to synthetic medications, herbal formulations have long drawn significant attention. Spices and herbs have been utilised to preserve and improve human beauty. Ancient humankind and civilizations have ideas about beauty and cosmetics^[1]. Typically, natural cosmetics and herbal cosmetics are used interchangeably. Different cosmetic components are used in the formulation of herbal cosmetics. on the basis used to treat numerous skin conditions with one or more herbal components. Plants have a significant role in the development of novel medicinal and cosmetic goods. Herbal cosmetics are goods that contain herbs in extract or crude form. Herbal cosmetics are also referred to as "natural cosmetics" because herbal extracts have a variety of beneficial characteristics, including anti-aging, photoprotective, astringent, moisturising, anti-oxidant, and antibacterial^[2].

ADVANTAGES 

Following are the advantages of using natural cosmetics which make them a better and safe choice.

• Natural Products

Herbal cosmetics are natural, as the name implies. They are free of all dangerous synthetic compounds that have been shown to be detrimental to human skin. In herbal products, various plant components and extracts are utilised. Additionally, they contain organic elements including vitamins and minerals that keep skin young-looking, radiant, and shiny.

• Safe And Effective to Use

Natural cosmetics are the most effective and risk-free to use when compared to other beauty products that are oversaturated on the market. They have been produced by Ayurveda experts to be non-toxic and hypoallergenic. People don't need to be concerned about developing skin problems like rashes or itching because they are made of natural materials. For instance, the synthetic antioxidants BHA and BHT, which are related, are employed as preservatives in lipsticks and moisturisers.

• Suitable For All Skin Types

Natural cosmetics are suitable for all skin types. An individual with the skin of any types can use them and never have to worry about degrading skin condition. 

• Not Tested on Animals

Most of the cosmetic products are initially tested on animals to ensure that they are safe and effective to use for human. However, natural cosmetics need not be tested on animals. These natural formulations are tested by Ayurvedic Experts in laboratories using state of the art equipment with no animals involved. 

• No Side Effects

The use of synthetic beauty products can lead to numerous chronic skin issues in addition to skin inflammation. They may clog your pores, causing your skin to become overly dry or greasy. One need not worry about adverse effects when using natural cosmetics because parabens, the most commonly used preservative, are not present in herbal products made from natural materials.

• Wide Selection

The range of beauty goods available in herbal cosmetics includes both skin and hair care items. In addition, natural cosmetics manufactured in the area or by well-known designers around the world are available.

• Budget-Friendly

Natural cosmetics are not that expensive. In fact, they are easily available at low cost. So, you need not to be in fear of splurging effect^[1,2,3,4,5].

DISADVANTAGES 

• Herbal drugs have slower effects as compare to Allopathic dosage form. Also, it requires long term therapy. 
• They are difficult to hide taste and odour. 
• Most of the herbal drugs are not easily available. 
• Manufacturing process is time consuming and complicated. 
• No pharmacopoeia a defines any specific procedure or ingredients to be used in any of herbal cosmetics^[6].

COMPONENTS OF HERBAL COSMETIC

Natural components originating from plants and herbs are used in the formulation of herbal cosmetics.  Depending on the product and the intended application, the contents in herbal cosmetics might vary, but some frequent ones include.

• Herbs and plants:

These constitute the main components of herbal cosmetics. Aloe Vera, chamomile, lavender, neem, turmeric, and rosemary are a few examples.

• Essential oils:

These are concentrated plant oils that have been extracted, and they are well-known for their medicinal qualities. Lavender oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil are a few examples.

• Carrier oils:

These vegetable oils are employed in the dilution of other herbal substances as well as essential oils. Olive oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil are among instances.

• Natural preservatives:

These help herbal cosmetics last longer on the shelves. Examples include grapefruit seed extract, vitamin E, and rosemary extract.

• Natural thickeners:  

These are employed to provide a thicker consistency for herbal cosmetics. Examples include carrageenan, guar gum, and xanthan gum.

• Natural colours:

These are made from plant materials and are used to give herbal cosmetics colour. Henna, beetroot root powder, and turmeric are a few examples.

• Natural fragrances:

These are made from plant materials and are used to give herbal cosmetics aroma. Lavender oil, rose oil, and jasmine oil are a few examples^[7,8].

APPLICATION OF HERBAL COSMETIC

Cosmetics made from plants and herbs are considered to be good for the skin and hair. Herbal cosmetics are goods made from natural and organic materials. Face creams, shampoos, body lotions, and soaps are a few examples of typical herbal cosmetic goods.

Herbal cosmetics can be used in a manner that is similar to how conventional cosmetics are used.  Herbal cosmetics may differ from synthetic counterparts in terms of texture, consistency, and aroma because they are made from natural materials.

Some Important Applications of Herbal Cosmetics

• Herbal Skin Care Products: Lavender Silk Soaps, Lotions creams, Body powder, Lavender Herbal body powder, 7 Skin Care Creams. 
• Herbal Hair Care Cosmetics: Henna (Lawsonia Inermis), Amla (Emblica Officinal is), Shikakai (Acacia Concinna), Brahmi (Bacopa, bhringraj.) 
• Herbal Lip Care Cosmetics: Herbal Lipsticks, Herbal Lip Gloss, Herbal Lip Balm, Herbal Lip plumper. 
• Advantages Over Existing Process / Product: Aroma– mood lifting, antidepressant, anti-stress, sensual pleasure providing, creative thought inducing, anxiety reducing, refreshing, stimulant, soothing, fragrant & antimicrobial. Composition has improved Moisturizing effect. 
• Herbal Eye Care Cosmetics: Eye Make Up, Eye Shadows, Eye Gloss, Liquid Eye Liners. 
• Herbal Creams, Lotions, and Gel: Creams: Aloe Moisturizing Hand Cream, Rich Face and Hand Cream, Herbal Moisturizers. 
• Herbal Oils: Herbal oils are Effective for Baldness, Falling of Hair, Thinning of Hair, Dandruff, and Irritation & Itching of Scalp, Patchy Baldness, and Maintenance of fine head of Hair^[9].

MARKETED FORMULATION 

Key players operating in the global cosmeceutical market include Himalaya Herbals., Lotus Herbal Pvt. Ltd., Khadi Natural, Vaadi Herbals Pvt. Ltd, Bio Veda Action Research Co., APCOS NATURALS, Forest Essentials, AYUR HERBALS, and Jovees Herbal Care India Ltd. KEY BENEFITS -

The report provides a quantitative analysis of the current market and estimation to elucidate different opportunities. The report contains a thorough analysis of the factors that drive and restrict the growth of the global herbal cosmetic market.  By Physical State: 

• Solid, Semi-solid, Liquid 
• By Products, Care Products 
• Hair Care Products, Baby Care Products
• Himalaya Herbals. 
• Lotus Herbals Pvt. Ltd. 
• Khadi Natural.

Table No.1: Marketed Formulations Manufacturers and their Products^[10,11]

Table No. 2: Marketed Formulations