Abstract

HERBAL COSMETICS AND COSMECEUTICALS –A REVIEW IN NEW TECHNOLOGY OF COSMETOLOGY

V. Chandini, N. Uday Kumar*, T. Mounika Rani, K. Jahnavi Yadav, M. Siva, M. Kishore Babu

ABSTRACT

Human beings have been using herbs for different purpose like food, medicine, beautifying. The word cosmetic was derived from the Greek word “Kosmtikos” meaning having the power arrange, skill in decorating. An herb is plant or plant extract including leaves, bark, berries, roots, gums, seeds, stems, and flowers which are afforded with nourishing and healing elements. Cosmeceuticals are a combination of cosmetics and pharmaceutics. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical or drug like benefits. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic-pharmaceutical hybrid products intended to enhance the health and wonder of the skin by providing a selected result, starting from acne control and anti-wrinkle effects to sun protection. Cosmeceuticals are not only worn for beautifying but also for different skin ailments. The chemical agents used in the manufacture of cosmetics leads to undesirable effects and are toxic to use, which brought the scientists to look for a natural alternative. The natural alternative gave rise to herbal cosmetics. Saundary prasadkas (herbal cosmetics) are defined as the beauty products which acquire desirable physiological activity such as healing, smoothing appearance, enhancing and conditioning properties because of herbal ingredients. The name herbal cosmetics itself defines that they are natural and free from hazardous synthetic chemicals which are toxic to the skin. They are hypo-allergenic and tested and proven by dermatologists to be safe to use anytime, anywhere. These products improve the functioning/texture of the skin by boosting collagen growth by eliminating harmful effects of free radicals, maintain ceratin structure in good condition, and making the skin healthier. Herbal cosmetics have gained popularity recently in the field of fashion and beauty as they are free from chemicals and suitable for every individual. The increased demand for the natural product has created new avenues in cosmeceuticals market. The current review article deals with the literature of herbal cosmetics related to present status, advantages, Indian extracts, herbs used in the cosmetics, classification of herbal cosmetics, herbal medicines for treatment of various ailments.

Keywords: Herbal cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, cosmetic surgeries, antioxidants.