COSMECEUTICALS – A revolution in the beauty industry

Did you know that cosmetics is one of the largest, and constantly evolving industries worldwide?

As the evergreen beauty industry grew and matured, cosmetic products were made which catered to the needs of individuals who desired things that were purely aesthetically pleasing. As new products keep getting invented and released, you may have come to notice that products geared towards solving our external concerns have slowly shifted in recent years. In all likelihood, every person has probably used a product like a foundation to cover pigmentation or acne, or a fairness cream for a brighter complexion before stepping out for an important event and even you may have fallen prey to such a situation.                         

People are growing more observant as time passes and are now more aware of products they use on themselves, the ingredients contained within them and the side effects that result, post usage.

As the saying goes, “Where there is health, there is beauty”. Most beauty-based companies are trying to combat skin concerns while preserving beauty at the same time. In order to achieve that balance, the beauty-driven cosmetic industry has teamed up with the pharmaceutical industry to develop products that provide a perfect strike between health and beauty, tailored to your skin type.

What are cosmeceuticals?

Cosmeceuticals is a cross-breed between the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry which works on bringing a whole new aspect to define the term beauty.

Imagine if you could get calendula oil in a blush, hydrating and giving a fresh glow to your skin. How about antioxidants in your lipstick? Sounds like a perfect match right? With this winning merger, you won’t suffer from dry, itchy lips and also get a gorgeous tinge for a Friday night.

The rapidly growing cosmeceutical industry works on incorporating biologically active components into the cosmetic industry. Being formulated in the form of lotions and creams, these products can be applied easily, facilitating ingredients to soak into the skin and bring about a magical change.

The awareness about natural beauty has gained popularity ever since the pandemic, and consumers are looking for products that are effective in every way and are keener to switch to sustainable and cruelty-free options. There is a strong desire in Indians to explore more products that will help them reconnect with their roots and, in the process, rely on the ancient Ayurvedic scriptures to bring back the goodness of the medicinal plant kingdom.

What are some of these popular ancient Ayurvedic cosmeceutical ingredients?

The use of Ayurvedic cosmeceuticals dates back to the Indus valley civilization where they focused on cosmetics not just for beauty but also for achieving good health and long life. A few ingredients used by them are mentioned below.

1. Turmeric – Turmeric is a widely used ancient spice worldwide. Has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and anti-neoplastic properties in one of its active components called curcumin, an ingredient used to cure an array of dermatological diseases. These properties also bring out a natural glow in the skin post usage. Many homemade DIYs using turmeric as an ingredient are used to brighten the skin over a period of time.
2. Aloe Vera – Aloe vera has moisturizing and anti-ageing effects on the skin. They stimulate fibroblasts which produce collagen and elastic fibres, thereby making the skin more elastic, less wrinkled, youthful and radiant. The amino acids present in them soften skin and the zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores.
3. Coconut Oil – Various clinical research and studies have shown that coconut oil improves skin disorders by moisturizing and soothing the skin. They are proven to be a non-skin irritant and non-phototoxic with anti-inflammatory activities which act by suppressing the markers and protect the skin by enhancing its skin barrier functions.
4. Amla – Extracts of amla are known to exhibit potent antioxidant properties and provide protection to human dermal fibroblasts against oxidative stress, thereby proven to be useful for the natural health of the skin. They have anti-ageing, anti-pigmentation and anti-acne properties which make them an essential ingredient in most skin care products. Amla juice rejuvenates the skin, removing the dead cells and adding a layer of brightness and shine to your skin.

The natural ingredients are not limited to just these. Ancient Ayurvedic herbs, such as Vacha, almond hulls, tulsi, neem, pee-pal latex, and a lot more, are used to achieve maximum benefit for the skin.

With a huge repository of over four lakh plus plant molecules, Plant Science offers a wide range of products focusing on giving therapeutic benefits to common skin concerns, while restoring the skin’s natural glow and health.

A deeper understanding of how therapeutic medical ingredients affect the skin has led consumers on a hunt to look out for more premium products that are backed up by scientific research. The choice of these products is gaining popularity right from younger individuals to millennials, both women and men to achieve a healthy lifestyle as a part of their daily routine.