Natural Cosmetic Actives from the Ayurvedic Tradition

The anti-aging cosmetics market encompasses a range of functionalities afforded by natural ingredients that heal, soothe, replenish nutrients and rejuvenate tired skin, hair and nails. Natural materials, including botanicals, milk, honey and other nutrients, were used in ancient civilizations to achieve such effects, and these practices also inform the current trend of beauty from the inside out, whereby orally consumed nutritional supplements (nutricosmetics) and topically applied cosmeceuticals work in harmony to promote physical appearance and well-being.

Several herbs from the Ayurvedic tradition can offer cosmeceutical and nutricosmetic benefits. Several “medicinal” herbs from Ayurveda can offer scientifically validated benefits in cosmetics and nutricosmetics.

Targeting Inflammation

Inhibiting inflammation is an effective approach to slow or reverse the signs of skin aging. Olibanum, the resin from the Boswellia species, has been used as incense for centuries and, more recently, has been used as a fixative in perfumes, soaps, creams, lotions and detergents. In India, the gum resin exudates of Boswellia serrata, known in the vernacular as “Salai guggal,” has been used in Ayurveda as an anti-inflammatory agent. The health benefits of its active components, the boswellic acids, have been validated by researchers across the world, and extracts of Boswellia serrata are widely used in joint health support formulations, for both oral and topical applications.(1,2)             

The proprietary, patent-pending extract Boswellin®, from Sabinsa, which was developed from Boswellia serrata gum resin is an effective topical and oral anti-inflammatory agent. Boswellin can be conveniently used in conventional cosmetics and has a pleasant aroma that blends well into formulations.

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