Available via license: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Content may be subject to copyright.
Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 68(1), May - June 2021; Article No. 13, Pages: 75-78 ISSN 0976 – 044X
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net
©Copyright protected. Unauthorised republication, reproduction, distribution, disseminatio n and copying of this document in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net
75
Prajakta N. Dongare*, Ravindra L. Bakal, Prashant V. Ajmire, Prerna A. Patinge, Manisha P. More, Jagdish V. Manwar
IBSS’s Dr. Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, Mardi Road, Amravati 444602(M.S.) India.
*Corresponding author’s E-mail: praju1511@gmail.com
Received: 10-02-2021; Revised: 12-04-2021; Accepted: 19-04-2021; Published on: 15-05-2021.
ABSTRACT
The herbal Cosmetics have been the first choice of the customers, For being more potent, easily available and thought to be less side
effective. Herbal cosmetics is Fastest growing field of personal care products. Cosmeceuticals is the fastest growing segment of the
personal care products these are cosmetic preparations which contain biologically active principles or ingredients of plant origin. In
recent years there is an increased demand for the use of herbs in cosmetics due to their mild action and less toxic in nature and they
are found to be more effective. The desire of good looking and to be beautiful gave a huge market for the herbal cosmetics. Now a
days desire to be look younger than original age, to be look beautiful, fresh, charming and fair have directly increased the demand of
herbal cosmetics as well as of the Cosmeceuticals in the market. Hence the review overlooks on the use of herbal cosmetics and
cosmeceuticals. It also describes about herbs as cosmetics. Which may desire to be intended for beutifying as well as skin care
purpose.
Keywords: Herbal cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, herbs, skin care.
QUICK RESPONSE CODE →
DOI:
10.47583/ijpsrr.2021.v68i01.013
DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.47583/ijpsrr.2021.v68i01.013
INTRODUCTION
osmeceuticals is the fastest growing segment of the
personal care products, these are cosmetics
products which contains biologically active
principles and ingredients of plant origin. To study the
functions and efficacy of naturally derived ingredients for
the use in cosmetics, a new branch of science is developed
known as “Cosmetic Phytognosy” which deals with
biochemical properties of plant derived ingredients to be
use in herbal cosmetics. According to Drug and Cosmetic
Act 1940, describes as, Any Article or preparation intended
to rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed on or introduced
to or applied to any part of human body for cleaning,
perfuming, beautifying, promoting, attractiveness or
altering the appearance and includes any article intended
for use as component of cosmetics. The use of natural
herbs ingredients in personal and health care product has
been emerged for its better experiences. Recent
researchers proves that herbs while being more effective
as they mild and soothing. Potent synthetic preparation
and chemicals, though effective, constitute a toxic burden
to human body.
Herbal Cosmetics, referred as Products formulated by
various natural herbal ingredients are used in as base in
preparation of effective herbal cosmetic. Herbs do not
produce instant cures. They offer a way to put the body in
proper tune with nature1. The demand of herbal medicines
is increasing rapidly due to their skin friendliness and lack
of side effects. The best thing of the herbal cosmetics is
that it is purely made by the herbs and shrubs and thus is
side-effects free. The natural content in the herbs does not
have any side effects on the human body; instead provide
the body with nutrients and other useful minerals2. The
term Cosmeceuticals was first used by Raymond Reed
founding member of U.S Society of Cosmetics Chemist in
1961. He actually used the word to brief the active and
science based cosmetics. The above term was further used
by Dr Albert Kligman in the year 1984 to refer the
substances that have both cosmetic and therapeutic
benefits3. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic-pharmaceutical
hybrids intended to enhance health and beauty through
ingredients that influence the skin's biological texture and
function4.
Advantages of Herbal Cosmetics over Synthetic5
1. Naturally available
Herbal cosmetics are made by herbs which is easily
available from nature, they are free from all the harmful
synthetic chemicals. Although herbal cosmetics prepared
by naturally available plant parts and plant extracts, they
may as effective as synthetic product. e.g. aloe-vera gel
and coconut oil. They also consist of natural nutrients
like Vitamin E, Vitamin C that beautify skin and provide
nourishment to the skin. For example, Aloe vera is
an herbal plant species belonging to liliaceae family and is
naturally and easily available6. There are number of
consumers concerned about toxic synthetic chemicals,
mineral oils which is may use as ingredients in many
cosmetics. They demand more natural products with
An Overview on Herbal Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals
C
Review Article
Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 68(1), May - June 2021; Article No. 13, Pages: 75-78 ISSN 0976 – 044X
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net
©Copyright protected. Unauthorised republication, reproduction, distribution, disseminatio n and copying of this document in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net
76
traceable and more natural ingredients, free from harmful
chemicals and effectiveness7.
2. Safer to use
As compared to synthetic products, herbal cosmetics are
safe to use. They are less allergenic, non toxic, tested and
proven by dermatologists to be safe to use. Since they are
made of natural ingredients.
3. Less side effects
The synthetic beauty products can irritate your skin, and
cause rashesh on skin. Sometime they might block skin
pores and make skin dry or oily. With herbal cosmetics, we
need not worry any adverse reactions. The natural
ingredients used assure no side effects; it can apply on the
skin assurely. For example herbal cosmetics are free from
parabens that are the most widely used preservative in
cosmetics and can penetrate the skin8. And are suspected
of interfering with hormone function (endocrine
disruption)9.
4. Economical to use
Natural cosmetics are not that expensive. In fact, some of
these products are more affordable than synthetic ones.
They are offered at discounted prices and are sold for a
cheap price during sales. Just need to survey enough to
look for great deals. An estimate of WHO demonstrates
about 80% of world population depends on natural
products for their health care, because of side effects
inflicted and rising cost of modern medicine. World Health
Organization currently recommends and encourages
traditional herbal cures in natural health care programs as
these drugs are easily available at low cost and are
comparatively safe10.
➢ Cosmeceuticals
‘Cosmeceuticals’ is fastest growing segment of the beauty
industry. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic-pharmaceutical
products intended to improve the health and beauty of the
skin by providing a specific result, ranging from acne-
control, sun protection to anti-wrinkle, anti-agening
effects. They are skin protecting as well as skin glowing
agent.
Herbs Used in Cosmetics/Cosmeceuticals
There are numerous herbs available naturally having
different uses in cosmetic preparations for skincare, hair
care and as antioxidants, Perfumes as follows.
1. Skin Care
➢ Coconut oil: Coconut oil is excellent as a skin
moisturizer and softener. Coconut oil is derived from
the fruit or seed of the coconut palm tree Cocos
nucifera, family Arecaceae which contains about 60-
65% of the oil. Coconut oil contains a high amount of
glycerides of lower chain fatty acids. The melting point
of coconut oil is 24 to 25°C (75-76ºF) and thus can be
used easily in liquid or solid forms and is often used in
cooking and baking.
➢ Olive oil: This oil is a fixed oil extracted from the fruits
of olea europaea, family oleaceae. The major
constituents are triolein, tripalmitin, trilinolein,
tristearate, monosterate, triarachidin, squalene, β-
sitosterol and tocopherol. It is used as skin and hair
conditioner in cosmetics like lotions, shampoos etc. It is
a potent fatty acid penetration enhancer.
➢ Aloe vera: Aloe vera is an herbal plant
species belonging to family liliaceae. It is an ingredient
in many cosmetics because it heals, moisturizes, and
softens skin. Simply cut one of the aloe vera leaves to
extract the soothing gel2. Aloe vera contains amino
acids like leucine, isoleucine, saponin glycosides that
provide cleansing action, vitamins A,C,E,B, choline, B12
and folic acid and provide antioxidant activity.
➢ Green tea: The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) has been
cultivated in Asia for thousands of years11. The 4 major
polyphenolic catechins present in green tea leaves are
(2)-epicatechin (EC), EGC, (2)-EC-3-gallate, and EGCG,
which is the most abundant. It was found that green tea
extracts or an individual green tea polyphenol (GTPP),
especially epigallocatechin (EGC)-3-gallate (EGCG),
inhibited two-stage chemical carcinogenesis (eg,
induced by 7,12-di-methylbenz(a)anthracene [DMBA]
and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate [TPA]), and
photocarcinogenesis (induced by UVB).
➢ Calendula: Calendula officinalis is reported to have a
remarkable antioxidant activity, anti- inflammatory
activity and wound healing activity12. A previous study
demonstrated that the essential oil of Calendula
consists mainly of α-thujene, α-pinene, 1,8-Cineole,
dihydrotagetone and T-muurolol.
➢ Turmeric: It is a deep yellow-to-orange powder that
comes reduce the number of ultraviolet B (UVB)-
induced sunburn. It is skin protecting agent as well as
antiseptic in nature.
➢ Multani mitts (Fullers earth) : It is mother natures own
baby powder. Clay was one of the earliest substance to
be used as a beauty mask to draw oils from the skin,
natural moisturizers for hairs, teeth, gums, and hairs, to
Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 68(1), May - June 2021; Article No. 13, Pages: 75-78 ISSN 0976 – 044X
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net
©Copyright protected. Unauthorised republication, reproduction, distribution, disseminatio n and copying of this document in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net
77
remove pimple marks, treatment on sunburn, helps
unclog pores, to cleans the skin of flakes and dirt.
➢ Oat (Avena sativa) : Oat oil is rich in antioxidants and
natural emollient property. It also use in many lotions,
creams and facial oils.
➢ Chandan: It was used as scrubs and face packs that
were applied on face to remove dead cells. Regenerate
growth of new cells and gives a young look. It also use
as detanning agent in sunburn treatment.
2. Hair Care:
➢ Henna: Henna comes from the plant Lawsonia inermis
family Lythraceae, which contain a dye molecule called
Lawsone, which when processed produces Henna
powder. Besides lawsone other constituents present
are gallic acid, glucose, mannitol, fats, resin (2%),
mucilage and traces of an alkaloid. Leaves yield
hennatannic acid and an olive oil green resin, soluble in
ether and alcohol. Lawsone edible fruit. It is highly
praised both for its high vitamin C content and for the
precious oil, which is extracted from its seeds and pulp
and used as a treatment for hair and scalp problems. It
is used in eye syndromes, hair loss, and children
ailments etc.
➢ Shikakai: Acacia concinna Linn. (Leguminosae) is a
medicinal plant that grows in tropical rainforests of
southern Asia. The fruits of this plant are used for
washing hair, for improving hair growth, as an
expectorant, emetic, and purgative. The powder of
Acacia Concinna Linn shows the presence of saponins,
alkaloid, sugar, tannin, flavanoids, anthraquinone
glycosides.
➢ Amla: Amla is the fruit of a small leafy tree (Emblica
officinalis), which grows throughout India and yields an
characteristics. There are mainly four species of roses
for oil production. These are Rosa damascena Mill., R.
gallica L., R. moschata Herrm. and R. centifolia L. Rose
oil and rose water have many therapeutic effects. Rose
oil helps soothe the mind and heals depression, grief,
nervous stress and tension. It also helps to heal wound
and skin health.
➢ Hibiscus: A Red colour obtained from the extract of
Hibiscus sabdariffa family Malvaceae. Hibiscus consist
of calcium, phosphorus, iron Vitamin B1 used to
stimulate thicker hair growth and prevent premature
greying of hair.
➢ Walnut: Juglance regia family Juglandaceae, leaves are
used in traditional medicine for external applications
such as eczema, loss of hair, scalp itching, peeling and
dandruff.
3. Antioxidants
➢ Tamarind: Tamarind or Tamarindus indica L. of the
Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae consists of
amino acids, fatty acids and minerals of tamarind plant
parts. The most distinguished characteristic of
tamarind is its sweet acidic taste due to tartaric acid.
Besides being a rich source of sugars, tamarind fruit is
also an excellent source of vitamin B and contain
minerals, exhibit high antioxidant capacity that appear
to be associated with a high phenolic content, and thus
can be an important food source.
➢ Vitamin C: Vitamin C is necessary for the hydroxylation
of proline, procollagen, and lysine. Vitamin C improves
the changes caused by photo damage. Vitamin C has
been used effectively to stimulate collagen repair, thus
removing some of the effects of photo-aging on skin.
➢ Vitamin E: (Alpha-tocopherol) is the major lipophilic
antioxidant in plasma membranes and tissues. The
term vitamin E collectively refers to 30 naturally
occurring molecules (4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols),
all of which exhibit vitamin E activity. Its major role is
generally considered to be the arrest of chain
propagation and lipid peroxidation by scavenging lipid
peroxyl radicals, hence protecting the cell membrane
from destruction.
4. Essential oils
➢ Rose oil: Roses are widely referred to as the world’s
favorite flower in part due to their vast diversity in plant
habitat and floral characteristics. There are mainly four
species of roses for oil production. These are Rosa
damascena Mill., R. gallica L., R. moschata Herrm. and
R. centifolia L. Rose oil and rose water have many
therapeutic effects. Rose oil helps soothe the mind and
heals depression, grief, nervous stress and tension. It
also helps to heal wound and skin health.
➢ Eucalyptus oil: There are around 700 different species
of Eucalyptus in the world, of which at least 500
produce a type of essential oil. It is produced by steam
distillation from the leaves of Eucalyptus species (E.
cinerea F. Muell., E. baueriana F. Muell., E. smithii R. T.
Baker, E. bridgesiana R. T. Baker, E. microtheca F.
Muell., E. foecunda Schau., E. pulverulenta Sims, E.
propinqua Deane and Maiden, E. erythrocorys F.
Muell.) etc. They are widely used in the preparation of
liniments, inhalants, cough syrups, ointments,
toothpaste and also as pharmaceutical flavors.
5. Oral care
➢ Meswak (Salvadora persica): Chewing stick have been
widely used in the Indian subcontinent, Meswak, a
derivative from Arak tree, is used by many people in
different cultures as a traditional toothbrush for oral
hygiene. It is suitable for cleansing teeth, comparatively
cheap, its also found its way into the dentifrices in the
recent years as antiplaque and antigingivitis agent. It is
believed that chewing on these stem facilitate salivary
secretions which possibly help in oral cleaning and
plaque.
➢ Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover
mouthwash is healing for irritated and diseased gums.
After making red clover tea, prepare an ointment from
Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 68(1), May - June 2021; Article No. 13, Pages: 75-78 ISSN 0976 – 044X
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net
©Copyright protected. Unauthorised republication, reproduction, distribution, disseminatio n and copying of this document in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net
78
the strained blossoms and leaves. Rub the ointment,
which has antibiotic properties, on gums that are
abcessed from sore or root canal therapy or other
dental procedure.
➢ Peppermint Oil: Peppermint contain menthol as a
volatile oil, methyl acetate, tannic acid, and Vitamin C.
Peppermint oil is used to relieve toothache by soaking
a cotton ball in the oil and placing it in cavity or rubbing
it on the tooth. Peppermint mouthwash can be used to
relieve gum inflammation.
CONCLUSION
Herbal cosmetics are the preparations containing
phytochemical from a variety of botanical sources, which
influences the functions of skin and provide nutrients
necessary for the healthy skin or hair. There is common
belief that chemical based cosmetics are harmful to the
skin which increase the awareness among consumers for
herbal products. Herbal cosmetics are prepared, using one
or more herbal ingredients to treat different skin ailments
and for the beautification. The Cosmeceuticals are the
agent that protects skin and gives nourishment to the skin
which may produce from the herbal drug which are stated
in present review. The cosmetic products are the best
option to reduce skin problems such as hyper
pigmentation, skin wrinkling, skin ageing and rough skin
texture etc. The demand of herbal cosmetic is rapidly
expanding. Hence the herbal cosmetics have the most
advantageous over the synthetic cosmeceuticals due to its
effectiveness.
REFERENCES
1. Pandey S, Meshya N, Viral D, Herbs play an important role
in the field of cosmetics, International Journal of Pharm
Tech Research, 2010; 2: 632-639.
2. Gediya SK, Mistry RB, Patel UK, Blessy M, Jain HN Herbal
plants : used as cosmetics, J Nat Prod Plant Resour, 2011;
1: 24-32.
3. Saha R., Cosmeceuticals and Herbal drugs: practical uses,
International journal of pharmaceutical Research and
Sciences, 2012; 3: 59-65.
4. Sharma HD, Paramesh R, Trends in aging and skin care:
Ayurvedic concepts, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative
Medicine, 2010; 1: 110-113.
5. Top 7 Advantages of using Natural Cosmetics.
6. Akinyele BO, Odiyi AC, Comparative study of the vegetative
morphology and the existing taxonomic status of Aloe vera,
Journal of plant sciences, 2007; 2: 558-563.
7. Escamilla M, Ferre A, Hidalgo C, Fuentes N, Kaps R, et al,
Revision of European Ecolabel Criteria for Soaps,
Shampoos and Hair Conditioners, Joint Research Centre
European Commission, 2012; 1-40.
8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Parabens”.
9. Suzuki D, The “Dirty Dozen” Ingredients Investigated in the
David Suzuki Foundation Survey of Chemicals in Cosmetics,
Backgrounder, 2010 :1-15.
10. Sharma A, Shanker C, Tyagi LK, Singh M, Rao ChV, Herbal
Medicine for Market Potential in India : An overview,
Academic Journal of Plant Sciences, 2008; 1: 26-36.
11. Kuroda Y, Hara Y, Antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic
activity of tea polyphenols, Mutation Research/Reviews in
Mutation, 1999; 436: 69-97.
12. Okoh OO, Sadimenko AP, Asekeen OT, Afolayan AJ, The
effects of Drying on the chemical components of Essential
oils of Caledula officinalis L. African J Biotechnol, 2008; 7:
1500-1502.
Source of Support: None declared.
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
For any question relates to this article, please reach us at: editor@globalresearchonline.net
New manuscripts for publication can be submitted at: submit@globalresearchonline.net and submit_ijpsrr@rediffmail.com