Demand for herbal cosmetics is growing all over the world. They are considered to be highly effective in beauty treatments with no side effects. Since time immemorial, various civilizations of the past have made extensive use of herbs to not only look beautiful, but also to maintain the youthful look, heighten the sensuality, and preserve general good health and hygiene.
Some of these plants may be consumed while others may only be used for external application. With some knowledge, you too can use these extremely effective herbs to make cosmetic preparations at home to enhance your beauty. So, here are the top ten popular herbs used in the cosmetic industry.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been an important herb sought after by cosmetic industry as it is a great moisturizer; it softens the skin and gives it a youthful look. The herb also has great healing property which can be used to treat rashes, cuts, bruises, sunburn, and other skin problems.
2. Avocado
The avocado oil has a rare vitamin D, known as the sun-ray vitamin which can nourish the skin. The oil has unusual property that penetrates through the dermis and epidermis effectively to rejuvenate the skin from within. For those who have been denied of sunlight due to illness, this herb proves to be a boon.
3. Almond
The almond oil is one of the safest oil that can be used in cosmetic products, since it has the less acidic reaction than any other oil. The oil has been used for skin protection against the dry and hot climate of desert regions. Almonds have special property to whiten the skin which is used in fairness creams.
4. Henna
Henna has been used for centuries to dye hair and skin on hands and feet, especially of women. Henna is the safest dye, which besides enhancing the appearance, also has curative property to give hair a shiny, healthy look. The tattoos of henna do not have any side effects on skin either.
5. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is used in cosmetic products to freshen and revitalize dull skin. Sandalwood paste is known not only to have curative powers to heal skin problems, but also a glow to the skin which is unmatched by any other product. Sandalwood is also used for face packs and scrubs.
6. Saffron
Saffron was considered to be one of the most beneficial herbs for skin ailments and cleansing of skin by ancient Indian physician Charaka. The herb is used in cosmetics in production of fairness creams, cleansers and anti-blemish lotions.
7. Elder Tree
Every part of the plant is utilized in production of cosmetic products like soothing lotion, beautifying cream, healing ointments and skin softening balms. The herb with luring scent has amazing property of healing sunburn; furthermore it removes the ill effects like blemishes, spots and freckles caused due to exposure to sun.
8. Neem
The antifungal, antibacterial and detoxifying property of Neem has seen its extensive use in production of lotions, creams, toothpastes, soaps, shampoos and many more. Many medicinal dermatology products prescribed for itchy skin, eczema and psoriasis contain Neem. It is also used in anti-ageing products.
9. Lavender
The exotic scent of lavender has seen its use in production of perfumes, oils, talcum powders, bath gels, soaps, shampoos and many more cosmetic products. Besides the scent, the herb has excellent antiseptic and antifungal property in addition to providing relief from acne and psoriasis.
10. Amla
Amla or Embilica Officinalis is sought after by the cosmetic industry for its high content of vitamin C which is excellent product for skin care. The herb also gives out oil which is excellent remedy for various hair and scalp problems.
