Defying gravity every time, the cosmetic industry is an exception to the market’s ups and downs. Vegetal extracts and herbs are used for ages to obtain colorants, fragrances, and products for soothing and protecting skin. For years, the cosmetic industry is well known for creating daily use cosmetics such as face creams, hair oils, sunscreen, fragrances, face wash, etc., from incredibly harmful chemicals to human skin, health, and our environment in the long run. The use of cheap and toxic chemicals helps them to run a profitable business. However, with the advancements in the chemistry and pharmacy industry, we have come to an age where industries are using natural ingredients to avoid ill effects on the human body, fulfilling people’s aesthetic needs. From skincare to haircare, face care to personal care, few of them are used everywhere. Such products are much more effective than other products but at the same time cause no side effects on the human body.
Five plants with cosmetic uses are –
Aloe Vera: Almost every household knows this plant’s various aesthetic applications and healing qualities. In the last few decades, cosmetic companies have used it on a large scale to manufacture their products. Aloe Vera leaves have a gelly material in them, made of many nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, amino acids, etc. Because of this, Aloe vera is used in various cosmetics for anti-inflammatory, softening, and moisturizing purposes. Further, it is also used in the production of high-quality hair care products as well as deodorants. Some cosmetics companies like Key West Aloe produce nearly all their cosmetics products based on aloe vera alone.
Cucumber: Similar to Aloe vera, cucumber also has anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and moisturizing properties. It contains water, silica, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that are widely used in the production of many lotions and creams. Further, not just for aesthetic purposes but also for medicinal purposes, it is used widely.
Lavender: This plant is mainly used for its oil. Lavender oil has many properties such as pleasing aroma, anti-septic, skin moisturizer, and soothing effect, making it suitable to use as an ingredient in perfumes, soaps, body care products, medicinal oil, and similar products. All these properties and uses make it a high-value plant.
Neem: Neem is a plant serving multiple purposes for every household, especially in homes that are fans of consuming natural plants. Be it soaps, creams, gels, oils; it is used worldwide. Its oil contains many nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and limonoids. Moreover, it also has antioxidant properties, i.e., mainly used in the production of many skincare products. Further, it is widely used in the production of highly effective toothpaste. All these applications make Neem a highly sought-after Indian plant.
Rosemary– Rosemary and its oil serve many purposes related to aesthetic applications. One of the essential uses of rosemary is related to collagen development. Extract of Rosemary is a vital tool to fight the excessive production of free radicals in the human body. Further, rosemary oil is rich in various minerals and nutrients that save our skin from being damaged due to excessive sun exposure. Apart from these, it is also used to produce facial care, such as moisturizers and anti-aging creams. Thus, either its sole use or using other products is highly beneficial for human skin.
We have seen how soil produces many of the ingredients being used for cosmetic purposes. While many of these are common plants, others are exotic. Nonetheless, they have become critical raw materials for the cosmetic industry worldwide and changed its landscape in the last few decades. As herbal products are gaining more and more demand globally, these plants will remain very important for the cosmetic industry.
