Essential Oils: Magical Ingredients for Skin Care

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Journal of Plant Sciences
2021; 9(2): 54-64
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/jps
doi: 10.11648/j.jps.20210902.14
ISSN: 2331-0723 (Print); ISSN: 2331-0731 (Online)
Review Article
Essential Oils: Magical Ingredients for Skin Care
Afroza Akter Happy, Ferdoushi Jahan
*
, Md. Abdul Momen
Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email address:
*
Corresponding author
To cite this article:
Afroza Akter Happy, Ferdoushi Jahan, Md. Abdul Momen. Essential Oils: Magical Ingredients for Skin Care. Journal of Plant Sciences.
Vol. 9, No. 2, 2021, pp. 54-64. doi: 10.11648/j.jps.20210902.14
Received: March 31, 2021; Accepted: April 19, 2021; Published: April 29, 2021
Abstract:
It is a natural tendency of human to look them attractive and younger. For this purpose, they largely depend on
several skin care products including herbal as well as chemical ones. But chemical ones have a variety of side effects which are
not acceptable to beauty conscious people. That’s why, they are highly intended to use herbal ingredients as these are perfectly
safe. Nowadays, essential oils are the most popular ingredients used for daily skin care activities. They have become good
alternative and complementary therapies with mainstream cosmetic products and have gained the momentum. Essential oils
(EOs) are mainly the volatile aromatic compounds of herbs and spices and these oils are generally extracted from the flowers,
barks, seeds, stem, leaves, roots, fruits and other parts of the plant. Nowadays, essential oils are being randomly incorporated in
variety of skin care products for their different biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative
properties and hence protect skin from environmental damages and help to cure certain skin ailments for keeping skin youthful,
healthy, fresh. This review paper focuses on some essential oils which have extreme skin benefits and play a great role to deliver
a beautiful as well as charming skin.
Keywords:
Essential Oil, Herbs, Skin Care, Magical Ingredients, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant
1. Introduction
Skin is one of the major protective organs of human body. It
nurses many actions particularly: protection, thermoregulation,
percutaneous absorption, secretory, and sensory. Skin is affected
several problems like dryness, eczema, acne, dullness, wrinkles,
pimples, ageing, bad spot etc. These skin problems are caused for
several environmental effect like dust, heavy metal, particulate
matter, UV radiation etc. Skin care products are used to medicate
this type of skin diseases. These products are comprised of
numerous chemical toxins, chemicals, toxic matter, chemical
dyes, and their derived products, those are not hygiene for human
health and side effects dispenser of countless diseases. Hence, the
allopathic system is insufficient for healthy benefits and there is a
need to choose herbal skin care products [1]. Essential oil of
several herbs shows magical property which plays a vital role to
medicate skin problem. Essential oils extracted from different
parts of herbs like seed, bark, leaves, berries, roots, rhizomes,
seeds, stems, fruits and flowers. Essential oil of these herbs
shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, emollient,
anti-seborrheic, anti-keratolytic activity and antibacterial
properties. Each essential oil has active ingredients which show
significant properties in skin care cosmetics. The necessity of
herbal skin care product is rising swiftly in comparison to
synthetic ones due to their better effectiveness. The components
present in the herbs do not possess any objectionable effect on the
skin of the human body, rather nourish the skin with essential
nutrients [2]. Herbal ingredients, especially, essential oils provide
not only skin care protection but also necessary minerals for
human body.
2. Essential oil of Different Herbs Used in
Skin Care
Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) seed oil:
Rosehip essential oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, is
extracted from the seeds of rosehip plants. It is a rich source of
some essential fatty acids e.g. oleic, palmitic, linoleic, and
gamma linolenic acid which impart good skin texture and

55 Afroza Akter Happy et al.: Essential Oils: Magical Ingredients for Skin Care
proper hydration level of skin. The oil contains high amount of
vitamin C, an inevitable anti-aging ingredient, and retinoids that
provide bright skin and can fight against acne. The combination
of vitamin C and the fatty acids enhances collagen production
and also prevents any premature signs of aging.
Rosehip oil is very much effective for tissue and cell
regeneration in the skin. It has been used as a folk remedy for a
long time in case of wound healing as well as reduction of scars
and fine lines. For example, topical use of rosehip seed oil
significantly improves post-surgical scars and inflammation [3].
In case of wrinkles and age spots, rosehip essential oil is best.
It also helps to flourish skin elasticity. A study has found that
rosehip oil wonderfully improves the crow's-feet wrinkles,
moisture level and elasticity of skin [4]. Moreover, this oil can
extremely calm inflammation and soothe irritation; that’s why it
is very beneficial to the people suffering from rosacea, eczema
etc. This is because rosehip seed oil is enriched with essential
fatty acids and antioxidants including pro-vitamin A, which
impart high protection against any kind of inflammation and
oxidative damage of the skin [5]. It is also helpful for acne-prone
skin; it can combat acne due to having anti-microbial as well as
anti-inflammatory properties and this oil is less comedogenic.
Figure 1. Rosehip.
Figure 2. Carrot.
Carrot (Daucus carota L.) seed oil:
The root vegetable, carrot, is full of hidden properties in its
seeds. The essential oil found from the seeds shows
anti-oxidative activities [6]. It is enriched with antioxidants
which are highly efficient for neutralizing free radicals that
cause inflammation and wrinkle [7]. Carrot seed oil is
considered as one of the best essential oils having anti-aging
properties. Its antioxidants can impede aging by restraining
the healthy cells from breakdown. It develops cell
regeneration process, keeps skin smooth and thus helps to
rejuvenate the skin. The initial signs of premature aging are
caused by sun damage. In order to prevent the skin from the
adverse effects of environmental aging, carrot seed oil can
extremely be efficient. This essential oil contains high portion
of flavonoids and carotenoids that can prevent inflammation,
repair damaged skin by regeneration of vitamin A and E and
defend the skin from sun damage and other free radicals. It is
also helpful for reducing scars as well as wrinkles in mature
skin.
Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) essential oil:
Generally, frankincense is native to the Middle East and
India, but now it has been recognized as one of the most
common essential oils throughout the world. This is really
wonderful for all skin types- such as acne and blemish-prone
skin, aging skin, dry skin etc. Frankincense essential oil has
anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which make it
beneficial to acne-prone skin. It alleviates oily and acne-prone
skin and provides lipids for aging skin. It also acts as a natural
toner, improves skin-tone and removes the appearance of
pores. It is a powerful astringent and hence greatly effective
for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, scars or any stretch marks of
skin. Besides, frankincense essential oil promotes new cell
generation, maintains skin elasticity and soothes dry and
chapped skin [8]. It helps to lessen or prevent the appearance
of sunspots, age spots, splotchiness and thus evens out the skin
tone [9].
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil:
This sweet-smelling essential oil is extracted from
Pelargonium graveolens species. The main chemical
constituents of geranium essential oil are linalool, geranyl
formate, citronellol and geraniol which make it very efficient
for various skin problems such as acne and blemish-prone skin,
dry skin, aging skin, dermatitis, eczema etc. It is considered as
a strong anti-inflammatory ingredient [10]. By using this oil,
one can maintain perfect skin elasticity and get smooth skin. It
also enhances blood circulation to the skin; thus helps to heal
bruises, burns, cuts, broken capillaries, ringworm, dermatitis,
eczema and other skin conditions.
Researchers found geranium essential oil as antimicrobial,
antibacterial and antiseptic in nature and it is able to diminish
acne breakouts, skin irritations and skin infections when
applied topically [11]. Since it is a natural cicatrisant, it boosts
up the wound healing process and regeneration of new skin
cells. The oil has also been studied for its potential moisture
balance and renewal of skin cells in people with acne [12]. It
also treats scar tissue and removes almost all types of
skin-spots like dark spots and marks left by acne and sunburn,

Journal of Plant Sciences 2021; 9(2): 54-64 56
red marks, age spots, marks from skin irritation etc.
Geranium essential oil has alkaline properties that help to
reduce excess oil of skin, unblock pores and keep a healthy
natural sebum balance in it. Such alkalinity makes this oil a
key addition to soaps and it can even out moisture level of skin
and hence provide fresher, supple and younger looking skin.
Its astringent property helps to tighten the skin and diminishes
the appearance of the symptoms of aging e.g. sagging and
wrinkling skin and enhances natural glow of skin. Moreover,
geranium oil calms and soothes irritated skin by keeping skin
conditioned; it fights against the skin that is affected by harsh
weather conditions or prone to blemishes.
Figure 3. Frankincense.
Figure 4. Geranium.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil:
Lavender possesses an individual aroma which is specified
due to its relaxing properties. Its essential oil smells amazing;
it is very popular in aromatherapy as it can relax our body and
mind and also can help to adapt stress. Besides, it has potential
skin benefits too.
Lavender essential oil provides strong anti-inflammatory
properties [13]. It can boost up the wound healing process and
enhance the collagen production system [14]. Therefore, it has
become a wonderful remedy for aging, mature as well as
blemish-prone skin. It is recognized as the best oil for healing
skin conditions like burns, cuts and dull looking skin.
Skin damage mainly occurs due to oxidative stress from free
radicals. Lavender oil contains antioxidants which can fight
against those free radicals and thus mitigate overall stress. A
study found that this essential oil helps protect against oxidative
stress in the brain [15]. Because of these anti-oxidative effects,
the appearance of wrinkles as well as fine lines can be reduced
when used topically to the skin. Moreover, lavender essential
oil helps our body to produce some of the strongest antioxidants
e.g. glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase [15]. Due to
having antimicrobial as well as antioxidant characteristics,
lavender essential oil mixed with aloe vera or coconut oil may
have extreme positive effects on the skin [16].
Lavender essential oil significantly enhances blood circulation
on skin which allows oxygen and other nutrients to reach skin for
renewal and healing. It removes old skin cells and regenerates
new cells and hence maintains skin texture. It is also suitable for
dry, oily and normal skin types and best for oily skin whitening. It
heals the skin, soothes the nerves and reduces hyper pigmentation.
It also maintains proper moisture level. Its anti-inflammatory
properties help to diminish symptoms of pain, redness and
swelling while also lowering the risk of infection.
Figure 5. Lavender.
Figure 6. Neroli.

57 Afroza Akter Happy et al.: Essential Oils: Magical Ingredients for Skin Care
Neroli (Citrus aurantium) essential oil:
Neroli essential oil is extracted from bitter orange tree
flowers. It is considered as a great ingredient for all skin types
such as oily, sensitive as well as mature skin. According to the
National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health
(NCCIH), neroli essential oil may be helpful in case of variety
of skin ailments. It is full of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
properties which provide important skin benefits. This oil
contains a natural chemical, citral, which causes regeneration
of cells. That’s why, it is very much effective for preventing as
well as healing stretch marks, fine lines etc.
The antibacterial properties of neroli essential oil can heal
blemish-prone skin [17]. Moreover, fungal infections like
athlete’s foot and jock itch can be cured by using the oil. The
oil is also good for wrinkle treatment as it helps to improve
skin elasticity. Due to the presence of compound citral, neroli
essential oil helps to balance out sebum without drying the
skin.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) essential oil:
Myrrh essential oil is extensively used in case of aging,
chapped and irritated skin types.
It deals with certain antioxidant properties [18] which help
to improve skin tone, firmness as well as skin elasticity. It may
significantly remove the appearance of wrinkles and fine
lines.
Myrrh has been recognized as one of the best essential oils
that can heal skin irritations and chapped skin [19]. This
antioxidant rich essential oil helps to enhance blood
circulation and thus gives brighter, more refined and fresh
looking skin. It may boost up wound healing process and fight
against infection causing microbes when topically applied.
Besides, it also inhibits the growth of various skin fungi,
including ringworm and athlet’s foot.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil:
Tea tree essential oil has become one of the most
well-known essential oils that are used frequently for their
skin benefits. The oil is extracted from the needle-like leaves
of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) plant and it has been
extensively used as an herbal remedy for a variety of health
problems, mostly for skin problems. It is recognized as one of
the best essential oils for acne and blemish-prone skin because
of its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and
anti-viral properties. Due to antibacterial properties, tea tree
oil can expel off acne-causing bacteria and promote wound
healing. It can regulate oil production and hence combat
breakouts before they even start [20]. It also helps to fight
against bacteria and inflammation, both of which are
responsible for acne breakouts [21].
Rose (Rosa spp) essential oil:
Roses are one of the most popular flowers in the world.
Some species of this flower have great medicinal value. The
essential oil extracted from this flower is highly known as a
wonderful remedy for dry skin as well as aging or mature skin.
Rose essential oil provides several therapeutic compounds,
mainly antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds,
which enhance healing, texture and tone of skin [22]. Due to
the anti-inflammatory effects, it helps to reduce redness,
puffiness and improve stressed-looking skin. This can also be
effective in case of skin ailments such as psoriasis and
dermatitis.
A study reported an interesting fact that inhalation of rose
essential oil can resist moisture loss from the skin [23].
Besides, this essential oil can mitigate stress as well as anxiety
that result an increase of cortisol level and thus promotes skin
aging and breakouts. It is good for skin cell renewal and helps
to keep fresh looking skin [24]. Rose essential oil stimulates
blood circulation as well as collagen synthesis to the skin and
gives an youthful complexion. It is highly helpful for keeping
skin hydrated, lightening dark spots, eliminating pimples and
also for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why this
essential oil has been recommended as an inevitable
ingredient for skin nourishment.
Figure 7. Myrrh.
Figure 8. Tea tree.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) essential oil:
Patchouli essential oil is mostly famous for its good
anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies have showed that
this essential oil possesses effective response against
inflammation. For instance, swelling is assumed to be one of the
major ailments caused by inflammation. It has been reported
that one component of patchouli oil is capable of mitigating
chemically induced swelling in the paws and ears of mice [25].

Journal of Plant Sciences 2021; 9(2): 54-64 58
Patchouli essential oil helps to boost up new cell regeneration
and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Besides, it
provides antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties and
so this oil acts efficiently in case of severe skin disorders like
eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and acne. It can also treat dry and
cracked skin, remove scars, spots etc.
Ultraviolet radiation is extremely responsible for skin
damage and ageing. Patchouli essential oil seems to have
protective effects towards this harmful radiation. A research
found that mice treated with patchouli oil before exposure to
ultraviolet radiation had been assessed with potential
protective effects [26]. Researchers also found that mice
treated with patchouli oil had less wrinkle formation and an
increase in collagen content.
Figure 9. Rose.
Figure 10. Patchouli.
Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil:
Ylang ylang essential oil is recognized as very unique
throughout the world due to its amazing as well as rich floral
fragrance. It is suitable to all skin types. It can control oil
production and thus can prevent breakouts. Ylang ylang
essential oil has some antioxidant effects that facilitate skin
cells regeneration. It helps to improve skin elasticity and
reduce fine lines [27].
Specifically, ylang ylang essential oil provides potential
healing properties; it decreases the number of free radicals
while repairing damage to skin’s proteins and fats. This oil
contains good anti-ageing properties and also can combat skin
pigmentation.
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oil:
Clary sage is a sweet-smelling herb, similar to the type of
sage, a spice like herb. But it is different in both taste and
medicinal uses. The essential oil extracted from it possesses
antioxidant properties. A study reported that clary sage
essential oil is very much effective to prevent DNA as well as
protein damage caused by free radicals [28-29]. Free radicals
are the chemicals which are supposed to be responsible for
several skin damages [30]. Moreover, clary sage essential oil
has astringent properties which give anti-aging benefits to the
skin and develop a fresh-looking skin by reducing sagging,
fine lines and dark circles. It also has antimicrobial effects.
Figure 11. Ylang ylang.
Figure 12. Clary sage.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) essential oil:
Rosemary is a popular herb with its distinct flavor; it is also
very well-known for both its antioxidant and antimicrobial
properties. The antioxidants can prevent wrinkles formation

59 Afroza Akter Happy et al.: Essential Oils: Magical Ingredients for Skin Care
by inhibiting the free radicals from hampering the skin’s
elasticity. Thus the natural oxidative defenses of rosemary
herb may combat free radicals and protect the skin from
damage. There was a strong evidence that rosemary essential
oil showed significant results in case of reducing free radicals
while using at 10 mg/kg doses for seven days [31]. It also
possesses good anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic
properties. It helps to promote blood circulation and decrease
overall inflammation, which cause benefits to skin. The key
ingredients of this essential oil, for instance, esters can
significantly control the excess sebum.
Figure 13. Rosemary.
Figure 14. Sandalwood.
Sandalwood (Santalum album) essential oil:
Sandalwood essential oil has become an inevitable skin care
ingredient nowadays because of its excellent
anti-inflammatory properties [32]. Therefore, it may be
frequently applied for the treatment of certain inflammatory
skin diseases [33]. In addition to these properties, sandalwood
essential oil can effectively restore moisture to the skin. If the
skin retains proper hydration level, one can easily achieve
supple, refreshed and plumper skin. Besides, this oil also helps
to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sandalwood essential oil has astringent effects which
enhance fresh-skin cell turnover and decrease dead-skin cell
buildup. Hence, it helps to get rid of dull-looking skin and
improve the brightness of skin naturally. This essential oil is
efficient in reducing blackheads as well as blemishes and also
can be used as a remedy for skin rashes, swelling etc.
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) essential oil:
This essential oil has been used for centuries since it is
considered as potential multi-purpose herbal remedy due to its
soothing and calming effects. Chamomile oil contains azulene
which may enhance moisture and alleviate inflammation. It helps
to accelerate wound healing process and also can be used for a
wide range of skin conditions like sunburn, boils, psoriasis etc.
Lemon (Citrus lemon L) essential oil:
Lemon, like other citrus fruits, is a rich source of vitamin C
content which offers extreme health benefits. It can boost our
immune system which also develops our skin health. Besides,
lemon essential oil is very much beneficial to skin as it is full
of powerful ingredients necessary for various skin problems.
The essential oil is basically extracted from the peel of lemon
fruit. It contains both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
[34]. The high content of vitamin C in lemon oil helps to slow
the ageing process; that’s why most anti-aging products
nowadays use it in their formulations.
It was noted that lemon essential oil may lessen the
damages occurred by oxidation process [35]. It is effective in
preventing sun damage, which can lead to wrinkle formation
on skin. Lemon essential oil can also fight against
inflammation as well as free radicals which are mainly
responsible for acne and photo aging [36].
Figure 15. Chamomile.
Figure 16. Lemon.

Journal of Plant Sciences 2021; 9(2): 54-64 60
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) essential oil:
Pomegranate is one of the most delicious fruits which offer
a variety of health benefits. Like the fruit, its seeds are also
beneficial and this is mainly in skin care. The essential oil of
pomegranate is found from its seeds and this oil is highly
suggested to use in skin care. It has both antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties that offer healthier and more
even skin. Due to high antioxidants, pomegranate essential oil
is able to protect the skin from free radicals and enhance new
skin cell regeneration. It is also a rich source of vitamin C
which helps to boost up collagen production and thus
improves skin elasticity. According to research, pomegranate
oil can decrease oxidative stress and hence prevents wrinkle
formation on skin [37]. Further, this oil can reduce photo
aging, sunspots, inflammation and skin cancer cells.
Figure 17. Pomegranate.
Figure 18. Helichrysum.
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) essential oil:
Helichrysum is an aromatic flower native to both Asia and
Africa. It is known as cousin of the sunflower. The essential
oil of this flower offers certain skin care benefits. For instance,
the oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
which are effective in skin healing, especially in case of
wounds as well as scars. It has been reported that helichrysum
essential oil contains an anti-inflammatory substance named
as arzanol which promotes wound healing process [38]. It also
has powerful antioxidants that increase cell regeneration and
combat against free radicals and thus can prevent skin scars
[39].
Moreover, helichrysum essential oil is one of the most
potent and trustworthy essential oils that may be perfect for
removing age spots, scars, wrinkles, infections, rashes etc. by
increasing cell turnover and collagen production. Another
study found that this oil can impart both anti-inflammatory
and antiseptic properties that are very much helpful for people
undergoing surgery [40].
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil:
Lemongrass is a tropical, grassy plant mainly used in
cooking and herbal medicine. Besides, it has great skin care
benefits too. Its essential oil can be derived from the leaves
and stalks of the plant. The oil contains a powerful, citrus
scent. Nowadays, this oil is being randomly used in various
skin care formulations because of having specific scent as well
as several astringent properties.
Lemongrass essential oil can fight against pimples since it
is considered as a good antimicrobial agent. It is also very
much effective to exfoliate dead skin cells. This essential oil
renders both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which
makes it a multi-purpose powerhouse in case of skin.
Moreover, lemongrass essential oil provides anti-aging
properties and can treat signs of skin aging, it also serves as a
natural antioxidant too [41].
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil:
The essential oil found from peppermint herb has a great
potential in the era of cosmetic field, especially as skin care
ingredients. This is mainly for its cooling as well as soothing
effect since peppermint oil comprises of 30 to 50 percent
menthol. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and can
naturally cleanse skin. The cooling effect of peppermint
essential oil helps to reduce irritation and inflammation due to
acne. Its antimicrobial properties can diminish acne causing
bacteria which helps to treat pimple.
Peppermint essential oil is highly effective in case of itching
due to bug bites, hives and poison ivy. It also gives relief from
itching related to diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease.
Hence, this essential oil is recognized as a true skin saver.
Peppermint essential oil helps to lessen the severity of pruritus
which is a chronic itchy skin condition, and soothe irritation
[42].
Figure 19. Lemongrass.

61 Afroza Akter Happy et al.: Essential Oils: Magical Ingredients for Skin Care
Figure 20. Peppermint.
Borage (Borago officinalis) Oil:
Borage oil is produced from the seeds of the Borago
officinalis plant. It is rich in essential fatty acids that have
great importance in the structure and function of skin [43].
The linoleic acid content of borage oil renders its therapeutic
actions in AD. When applied topically in infants and children
having seborrheic dermatitis or AD, borage oil has been
shown to improve skin barrier function [44].
Another study revealed that borage oil has both antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory effects which serve benefits to people
with atopic dermatitis [5]. It accelerates skin cell action and
enhances regeneration of the skin. The high amount of
gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) helps to treat the skin problems,
especially hypersensitivities, dermatitis, irritation and
inflammation. Borage oil also can penetrate through the skin
effectively and thus provides extreme benefits to a wide range
of skin such as dry, mature, dehydrated and premature aging
skin [45].
Bitter Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) Oil:
Bitter apricot oil is extracted from the seed of Semen
Armeniacae amarum using hydro-distillation method. In
Eastern medicine, this oil has been traditionally used to cure
skin diseases. Researches showed that bitter apricot oil
induced apoptosis of HaCaT cells through both death receptor
and mitochondrial pathways. Apoptosis correlates with
inhibition of the NF-B pathway. It has been also found that
bitter apricot oil can be a potential candidate for psoriasis
treatment given its pro-apoptotic effect on human
keratinocytes [46].
Turmeric essential oil (Curcuma longa):
The sunset-yellow spice, scientifically known as Curcuma
longa, has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which help
to cure several skin diseases e.g. psoriasis, eczema,
hyperpigmentation etc. It has anti-inflammatory as well as
anti-allergic activities too. It also helps in wound healing.
Turmeric essential oil is recognized as great rejuvenator of
skin that helps to revitalize skin and delay the signs of aging
like wrinkles [47].
The main active ingredient found from turmeric essential
oil is curcumin which contains anti-inflammatory enzymes
that can combat cell production and reduce uncomfortable
skin patches. This essential oil is also efficient to lessen the
dark spots of skin and thus helps to brighten skin shade. A
study has been revealed that turmeric oil used in lotion
formulation can brighten skin within three weeks with results
that last just as long [48]. Again from research, it is found that
both topical and oral curcumin can improve symptoms of
plaque psoriasis in 9–12 weeks. [49].
Figure 21. Borage.
Figure 22. Bitter apricot.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) essential oil:
Neem oil derives from the fruits and seeds of the neem tree.
It offers a number of benefits when applied to the skin [50].
Because the oil contains several fatty acids as well as
antioxidants which are highly efficient for the skin. The fatty
acids found from neem essential oil are palmitic, linoleic and
oleic acids [51] which provide healthy, supple skin [52].
Therefore, it is considered as a popular ingredient in skin care
products.
It has been reported in studies that neem oil renders
medicinal uses by treating a variety of skin diseases like
acne, psoriasis, eczema etc [50]. It also has anti-aging
effects and helps to combat symptoms of skin aging e.g.
wrinkles, skin, thickening and redness of skin [53]. Another
study showed that cosmetic products containing neem
compounds provide antibacterial properties. The authors
reported that soaps containing extracts of neem leaf or
neem bark prevented the growth of several strains of
bacteria [54]. Moreover, neem oil can treat nail fungus and
also helps to soften the skin [55].

Journal of Plant Sciences 2021; 9(2): 54-64 62
Figure 23. Turmeric.
Figure 24. Neem.
3. Conclusion
Interest of using skin care cosmetics by people are rapidly
increasing. For this reason, cosmetics industries are developing
at enhancing rate world-wide. Here, herbal formulations are
getting priorities nowadays due to the excess demands of the
customers. This is really appreciable since chemical
formulations are being discouraged; hence safer world would
be attained with lesser environmental pollution. Essential oils
applied in herbal skin care formulations have become a popular
trend at recent years because of their excellent effects on skin,
for instance, these oils help to cure variety of skin ailments-
acne, pimple, eczema, psoriasis etc. and offer healthy, glowing
as well as younger looking skin. Moreover, further researches
will be highly encouraged in this field as some essential oils
show skin allergy or other irritations. Thus better way of
application of essential oils in cosmetics and investigation of
further herbs having potential effects will be possible.
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