HERBAL COSMETICS Raheem Bahadar PhD Scholar Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad.
CONTENTS : Introduction Types according to site of application Herbal cosmetics for skin Herbal cosmetics for Hair Dentifrices Herbal cosmetics for Nail care product Evaluation of finished product Conclusion
What are cosmetics Cosmetics are substances that are used to enhance the odor and appearance of human body. FDA defines cosmetics as  "intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions."
What are herbal cosmetics? These are the cosmetics which are prepared using plant products having cosmetic actions. Recently the use of botanicals in cosmetics have increased mainly due to the mild action and non-toxic nature. In cosmetics, both natural and phyto -ingredients are used. Natural products include oils, extracts, secretions etc. Phyto -ingredients include pure constituents obtained by various process.
DEFINATION : According to D & C Act 1940 Any article intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed on or introduced to or applied to any part of human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting, attractiveness or altering the appearance and includes any article intended for use as component of cosmetics.
TYPES ACCORDING TO SITE OF APPLICATION Skin Hair Dentifrice Nail Eyes
HERBAL COSMETICS FOR SKIN The herbal approach of proper skin care is principally based on three essential steps. Cleanse Nourish Moisture Whatever may be the type of skin; these three steps are external care of the skin to protect from the constant effect of environment, stress and skins natural process of cell degradation decay.
HERBAL COSMETICS FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF SKIN FOR DRY SKIN Example of Herbs: Rubia Cardifolia ( Manjista ), Triphla , Tulsi, Glycerihza glabra in sesame oil. Fruit face mask: Banana or avocado pulp.
FOR SENSITIVE SKIN Example of Herbs: Usheero , C urcuma longa, T riphala , A zadircta indica mustaka , N imba in coconut oil. Fruit face mask: Banana or pineapple pulp.
FOR OILY SKIN Example of Herbs: Tulsi, I dhora , J atiphata , N imba , T erminalia arjuna , C urcuma longa. Fruit face mask: Strawberry or papaya pulp.
TYPES OF HERBAL CREAMS AND LOTIONS COLD CREAMS: It is an emulsion in which the fat predominates, but the cooling effect produced when it is applied to the skin is due to skin evaporation of the water contained. e.g : Almond oil. VANISHING CREAMS: Vanishing creams are also called foundation creams because they disappears when rubbed into skins. e.g : Rose oil.
CLEANSING CREAMS: A satisfactory cleansing cream is water in oil emulsion that melts at temperature of body and spreads readily over the skin. FACE LOTION: These are also called the bleaching lotions, actually alter the color of skin like the whitening creams .
HERBS FOR SKIN CARE Green tea Camellia sinensis Protects against damage to the cell moderates inflammation . Turmeric Curcuma longa produce natural golden glow and has healing effect.
Rose Rosa Used as toner for fair and dry skin. Sandal S antalum album Cooling and calming with natural astringent and antiseptic properties.
ANTI – AGING TREATMENT Carrot Daucus carrota Rich natural source of vitamin A; promotes the formation of new cells and helps in reducing wrinkles. Henna Lawsonia inermis It has natural affinity with the proteins in hair , making it able to stain the color into hair shaft.
TYPES OF HERBAL HAIR CARE PRODUCTS HAIR OIL : The hair oils used for dressings and nourishing the hairs and grace to appearance of hairs. This preparations is generally used to increase the growth of hair and remains healthy. E.g Arnica, shikakai . HAIR LOTION: Hair lotion has a stimulating effect upon the hair follicles. They are generally perfumed with oil of rosemary and others ascenes as it posses a good stimulating property.
HAIR COLORANTS: These are preparations which are used for the coloring of the hairs. They enhances the attractiveness of gray hair. They are applied externally on the hair with help of brush. E.g Lawsonia alba Lam. SHAMPOO: Shampoo is preparation of surfactant in suitable form liquid, solid or powder, which when used under the condition specified will remove surface grease, dirt, and skin debris from the hair shaft and scalp without affecting adversely the hair, scalp or health of the user . E.g : Accacia concinna DC.
FOR HAIR CARE Amla Emblica officinalis Rich in vitamin C , tannins , minerals [ P , Fe , Ca ] which provides nutrition to hair and also darkening of hair. Almond Prunus dulcis Contain omega – 3 fatty acid ;provide nourishment , softness and strength to the hair.
HERBALS USED IN DENTIFRICE Dentifrice are the preparations intended for use with a toothbrush for the purpose of cleaning the accessible surfaces of teeth. Ingredients used: Soap powder, Saccharin, Amaranth (solution), Oil of cinnamon, Oil of peppermint.
HERBALS USED IN NAIL CARE Fungal infections of nails are very common and difficult to cure . The conventional treatment of nail fungal infection is expensive and long term . Lavendula officinalis Melaleuca latrifolia Cybopogon citrates NAIL POLISH: Celluloidal film, Amylacetate , Eosine .
Use of Herbal Cosmetics Aloe Vera Benefits It keeps skin looking smooth and supple. D elays visible signs of ageing like fine. H ealing cracked heels. M oisturizes the skin
Sandalwood Benefit Naturally clear skin complexion and add a healthy glow to it . T ightens the drooping skin tissues, P rovide youthful appearance. Effectively in fighting the bacteria and fungi, P revents the breakout of pimples .
Turmeric Benefit H elp lighten stretch marks. Effectively reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Q uick relief of accidently burn skin. A ntiseptic , anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Rose Benefit Rose water is a natural toner for skin. Prevent dark circles below eyes. It helps to lock moisture into the skin, keeping skin feeling smooth.
Jasmine Benefit It mild fragrance make natural anti-deodorant . It helps strengthen the roots of the hair . Effective cure for scrapes, wounds, and cuts. Antiseptic properties help keep skin infections at bay .
Papaya Benefit It helps in removing dead skin cells . It helps prevent balding . It is used to treat sore and cracked heels. Used for skin whitening .
Cucumber Benefit It remove dark complexion. It reduces freckles. It helps in removing dark circles under eyes. It helps in soothing and softening your skin .
Tea benefit Adds shine to dull hair . Eliminate darkness around the eye area . Increases the resistance of the body against various infections .
Coffee Benefit It plays a crucial role in regulating cell re-growth . It is beneficial for hair fall . Increase skin elasticity . Protect skin against UV rays .
Skin care creams and lotions Aloe vera Dandelion Mint Averensis Bees Wax Dill Seeds Nettle Arrowroot Ginger Rosemary Ashwagandha Hibiscus Rubia Cordyfolia Bentonite jasmine-flower.html Rose Calendula Lavender Patchouli Chamomile Lemon Grass Tea Tree Centella Asiatica Lotus Turmeric Cucumber Liquorice Valerian
ADVANTAGES : They do not provoke allergic reaction & do not have negative side effects. They are easily incorporated with skin and hair. With small quantity they are very effective as compared to synthetic cosmetics. Extracts of plant decreases the bulk property of cosmetics and gives appropriate pharmacological effects. Easily available & found in large variety & quantity. Easy to manufactures and chief in cost.
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 odor. Most of the herbal drugs are not easily available. Manufacturing process are time consuming and complicated. No pharmacopoeia defines any specific procedure or ingredients to be used in any of herbal cosmetics.
STORAGE OF HERBS Herbs should be stored in cool and dry place. Moisture can damage the herbs. Also moisture promotes bacterial and fungal growth. Dried herbs should be stored in air tight container. Herbs should not be stored in direct sunlight.
Conclusion The usage of herbal cosmetics has been increased to many folds in personal care system and there is a great demand for the herbal cosmetics. The use of bioactive ingredients in cosmetics influence biological functions of skin and provide nutrients necessary for the healthy skin or hair. There is tremendous scope to launch numerous herbal cosmetics using appropriate bioactive ingredients with suitable fatty oil, essential oils, proteins and additives.