Introduction
Nowadays consumer awareness is increasing and due to social media and digital marketing everybody is aware about the Silicone free, Paraben free, Harsh chemical free products, so popularity of natural cosmetics are increasing gradually.
Natural Cosmetics
As far as cosmetic regulatory guideline is concern, there is no clear FDA guideline for natural cosmetics but every country has their own standard for the natural cosmetics. In natural cosmetics includes Ayurvedic Cosmetics, Herbal Cosmetics, Ecocert Cosmetics, Organic Cosmetics, etc …
Basically in consumer point of view, natural cosmetics means it is more safer than others and it has more efficacy than non-natural cosmetics, chemicals are not safe for the human skin like Paraben, petrolatum, silicones, perfumes, etc … and natural cosmetics are bio degradable and recyclable but only it is bio degradable and recyclable, rest of all are not true.
There is no specific guideline for natural cosmetics, every country is using their own guideline like in INDIA – Ayurvedic cosmetic which is regulated by AYUSH department, European countries have specific guideline for Natural and Organic cosmetic which is govern by COSMOS standard.
COSMOS standard is mainly to promote organic farming and non-hazardous manufacturing process.
USDA – US department of Agriculture and Council of Europe’s committee of experts on cosmetic products are monitoring and evolving the meaning of natural and organic cosmetics.
History of Natural Cosmetics
Natural cosmetics were used from ancient times. Many religious rituals had mentioned to use of natural cosmetics in the book. In Ayurvedic books mentioned the henna powder to use for the hair and body decoration in INDIA. Our Ancestors knew the usage of mud for the face and body cleaning and purification. They knew about to take a bath with Milk and turmeric with rose petals for healthy skin, in winter they used to take bath after massaging with oil like coconut and sesame for soft and smooth skin. After taking bath they used to apply oils like Coconut, Sesame, Peanut and Almond on the hair for healthy and shiny hair, even they also know that applying the oils like sunflower and sesame on the hand and leg before going outside will protect from sun. Jasmine, rose, sandal oils are also used as per their religious rituals. They know that basil oil will protect from mosquito bite, they were also using tea tree oil, rosemary oil and lemon oil for the anti-dandruff and as an anti-fungal activity. Oatmeal, wheat meal and bran using as an exfoliants. Egyptians used scented oils to clean body and for soften the skin.
