2. 2
According to Drug and cosmetic act, Cosmetics are
defined as an articles intended to be rubbed, poured,
sprinkled or sprayed on, introduced into or otherwise
applied to the human body or any part of body for
cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or
altering the appearance.
Herbal cosmetics are known as natural cosmetics.
Herbal cosmetics are formulated by using different
cosmetic constituents to form the base in which one or
more ingredients of natural origin are used.
The term Cosmeceuticals was first developed by Raymond
Reed member of U.S. society of Cosmetics Chemist in 1961.
The word cosmetic was derived from the Greek word
"Kosm tikos" which means having the power or skilled in
ordering or arranging
3. 3
Herbal cosmetics used in skin care have been
formulated using the principles from the ancient texts
of Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, and Ayurveda, Unani and
Homeopathic systems of medicines.
In herbal cosmetics, herbs are used either in crude
form or as extracts.
Herbs includes crude plant materials like leaves,
flowers, fruit, seeds, stem, wood, bark, root, rhizome
or other plant parts, which may be entire, fragmented
or powdered.
Herbal materials also included fresh juices, gums,
fixed oils, essential oils, resins and dry powders of
herbs.
Herbal cosmetics should be the result of merging
nature with modern technology
4. 4
In India, herbal cosmetics make up 10% of the total
cosmetic industry that is estimated to be around 200 crores
The current growth rate of Indian cosmetic industry is 20-
25% per year, of which herbal cosmetics alone make up for
60%
Herbs do not produce immediate cures.
They provide a way to make the body in proper tune with
nature.
An enormous number of cosmetics and toiletry
formulations have been designed and developed which are
based upon herbs.
The demand of herbal medicines is increasing quickly due
to their skin easiness and lack of side effects.
The natural ingredients in the herbs also provides
nutrients and minerals to body.
5. 5
Advantages of Herbal Cosmetics over Synthetic
cosmetics
Natural in nature
Safe to use
Compatible with body
Variety of product
Affordable and Non expensive
Not need to tested on animals
No OR less side effects
6. 6
Skin Care Products
Herbal Creams:
The key ingredients in the formulation of herbal creams are plant
derivatives. Following are the important types of herbal creams:
Cold Creams:
Galen formulated the first herbal cold cream using beeswax,
water, olive oil (as emollient), and rose petal (as fragrant).
Cold creams are water-in-oil emulsion (w/o), and the bases used
in their preparation are:
a) Almond oil and white bees wax, and
b) Borax (as emulsifier) and rose water.
For example- Nyle cold cream.
7. 7
Vanishing Creams:
These are oil-in-water emulsion (o/w), and are hardly visible
when applied to skin.
They impart moisturising as well as emollient effect.
For example, jojoba vanishing cream.
The common ingredients of vanishing cream are glycerine,
stearic acid, triethanolamine, lanolin, natural jojoba extract,
water, preservative, and perfume.
Procedure-
The waxy materials (stearic acid and lanolin) are melted
together.
The resultant mixture is added with water, jojoba extract,
triethanolamine, and glycerine.
Lastly, preservatives and perfumes are added to the mixture
and stirred constantly so that a uniform mass can be obtained.
8. 8
Nourishing Creams:
These creams are non-greasy, and provide nourishment as well as
protection to the skin.
For example, nourishing skin cream (Himalaya).
Following ingredients are present in nourishing creams:
a) Aloevera to nourish and moisturise the skin,
b) Indian kino tree and ashwagandha to protect the skin from
pollution and dry weather
c) Gotu Kola to increase collagen production.
d) Along with the above mentioned ingredients , nourishing
creams also include liquid paraffin, glycerine, sodium EDTA,
phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, etc., which act as formulation
base.
9. 9
Night Creams:
These creams are applied during night.
They consist of revitalisers, moisturisers, and skin-rejuvenating
nutrients. Night creams prevent evaporation and moisturise the skin.
For example, revitalising night cream (Himalaya).
For nourishment of skin, the following herbal agents are added in
the night creams:
a) Pyrus malus (Crab Apple) for cooling, soothing and keratolytic effect.
b) Triticum sativum (Wheat) for preventing black heads.
c) Citrus limon (Lemon) for protecting the skin from oxidative damage.
d) Lilium polyphyllum (White Lily) for astringent effect.
e) Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) for its antioxidant effect.
10. 10
Moisturiser Creams:
These creams are applied on dry skin as they heal and repair dry
skin, and maintain the softness of skin.
They maintain skin hydration by reduction evaporation.
For example, aloe moisturising cream.
Contain aloe vera gel, tocopherol (vitamin E), chamomile extract,
beeswax, and coconut oil.
Coconut oil is added to and melted with the heated beeswax.
This molten mixture is stirred continuously and allowed to cool
slowly.
Aloe vera gel is added drop wise during the stirring process.
When the mixture become s uniformly thick, stirring is stopped.
Lastly, chamomile extract and vitamin oil are added
11. 11
Anti-Acne Creams:
These creams are applied on the skin surface, and mainly act on
hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
For example, Himalaya acne and pimple cream.
Following ingredients are present in anti-acne creams:
a) Lens culinaris (Lentil) for reducing inflammation
b) Silk cotton tree that acts as an astringent and emollient, and
c) Vitex negundo that exhibits anti-inflammatory action
12. 12
Sunscreen Creams:
These creams are used topically to protect the skin from
harmful effects of sunrays.
They act either by scattering the sunlight or by absorbing the
erythematous rays of sun.
Eg: Ayur sunscreen.
Herbal sunscreen includes the following ingredients:
a) Aloe vera,
b) Fat-soluble walnut extract,
c) Bees wax, and
d) Hydrogenated ricinus oil.
13. 13
Fairness Creams:
These creams reduce melanin formation as well as skin
pigmentation.
For example, Himalaya fairness cream.
The main ingredients of fairness creams are:
a) Rosa centifolia to improve complexion,
b) Citrus reticulata as a blemish remover, and
c) Aloe vera as a moisturiser and emollient.
14. 14
Herbal Powders:
A range of powders are available in the market such as dusting
powder, talcum powder, body powder, after-bath powder, after-
shave powder, and baby powder.
A minor difference exists among the formulation of talcum
powder, dusting powder, after-shave powder, and baby powder.
Therefore, these powders are considered same to some extent .
Powders are dispensed through flat, oval, round or angular
plastic or metal cans sometimes a puff is used so that powder
can be applied easily.
Generally powders have the following ingredients
15. 15
Talcum Powders
a) Talc (71%),
b) Potato starch (30%),
c) Zinc stearate (3%),
d) Boric acid (5%),
e) Perfume (1%).
Body Powders
a) Talc (50%),
b) Boric acid
(2%),
c) Precipitated
chalk (17%),
d) Perfume (1%).
After-Shave
Powders
a) Talc (71%)
b) Titanium dioxide
(3%), c) Potato starch
(4%),
d) Precipitated chalk
(20%),
e) Golden ochre (0.5%),
f) Perfume (1%)
Baby Powders
a) Talc (63.63%),
b) Barley (20%),
c) Zinc stearate (5%),
d) Precipitated chalk
(5%),
e) Boric acid (6%),
f) Oxyquinoline
benzoate (0.12%),
g) Perfume (0.25%).
16. 16
Herbal Face Washes:
These are used to remove dirt, dust and other debris adhered to
the facial skin.
These preparations also have antiseptic as well as antimicrobial
properties.
Depending on the need and skin type of consumers, different
types of face washes are formulated:
17. 17
Gentle Face Washes:
These are used for mild cleansing and
are applied very gently on the face.
Daily use of these face washes protects
the skin against dust, dirt, and pollutants.
All Skin Type Face Washes:
These are formulated without any soap ,
thus can be used on daily basis for
almost all skin types.
18. 18
Herbal Face Packs:
These formulations are applied on face to stimulate blood
circulation in facial region, provide muscle toning, make the
facial skin supple and elastic, and clean clogged skin pores by
removing impurities.
For example, neem face pack (Himalaya).
Following are the ingredients commonly used
in the formulation of herbal face packs
19. 19
Herbal Lip Balms
These are used on lips to prevent them from cracking, chapping
and drying.
Edible ingredients should be used in the formulation of lip
balms.
They also contain ingredients that act as natural filter to UV
rays and vitamin E to provide nourishment and softness.
Following are the ingredients commonly used in the
formulation of lip balms:
20. 20
Herbal Soaps:
These are used for cleansing the body.
The basic fatty acids used in the formulation of soaps are
triglycerides such as tallow, coconut oil, or palm oil.
Quality and properties of the soap depends on the
proportions of fats and their combination used for their
preparation.
Soaps made up of tallow are harder than the soaps made up
of coconut oil; while potassium soaps are softer than sodium
soaps, but are rarely used.
The properties of soaps can be enhanced by adding other
ingredients, like opacifiers, emollients , and chelating agents.
21. 21
Hair Care Products
Hair Gels:
These are used for hair styling as they make hair manageable,
easy to handle, and reduce their tendency to fly.
For examples,
Clove Hair Gel Preparations:
These are prepared by heating benzoate lard.
The remaining ingredients are mixed with this molten lard to
form a cream with a pleasant fragrance and ability to set hair.
Following are the ingredients commonly used in the formulation
of clove hair gel preparations:
22. 22
Herbal Shampoos
These are used for cleaning hair.
Various herbal shampoos, containing a unique blend of natural
ingredients, are available in the market as per the requirement
of consumer s and type of hair.
Examples,
Methi-Shikakai Shampoos:
These are powder-based shampoos as all the ingredients present
are crushed, pulverised, and powdered.
Two hours before using, this shampoo should be soaked in half
cup of water.
Following are the ingredients commonly used in the formulation
of methi-shikakai shampoos:
23. 23
Herbal Hair Colours:
These are used to cover-up grey hair or as a style statement.
Herbal hair colours are prepared by boiling leaves of desirable
herb in water.
The resultant mixture is left undisturbed for a few hours, and
then strained to remove the leaves.
Lastly, alcohol and perfume are added.
Pyrogallol and metallic salts are added to produce a range of
colours with henna.
But they may produce toxic effects if used on broken skin.
24. 24
Herbal Hair Conditioners
These preparations are used to condition the hair by
moisturising them properly.
This problem can be overcome by using w/o emulsion as its
aqueous component moisturises the hair and the lipid
component locks the moisture and prevents evaporation.
Wheat Hair Conditioners:
These conditioners are prepared by mixing all the ingredients
with the beaten egg.
The resultant mixture is massaged on scalp, and washed
after sometime with lukewarm water mixed with lemon juice
Following are the ingredients commonly used in
the formulation of wheat hair conditioners
25. 25
Herbal Hair Oils:
These preparations provide nourishment to the scalp and hair roots,
as well as impart a lustrous texture to hair .
Herbal hair oils are prepared by the following procedure:
Collection and Authentication of Plant:
Leaves of bhringraj ( Eclipta alba), flowers of China rose ( Hibiscus
rosa sinensis), and rhizomes of jatamansi ( Nardostachys jatamansi)
are collected and dried in shade.
These dried parts are pulverised, mixed , and filtered
through sieve number 80.
The pharmacognostic parameter of each drug should
also be studied.
Preparation of Herbal Hair Oil:
To prepare herbal hair oil, 10%w/v of Eclipta alba and
Hibiscus rosa sinensis and 5% w/v of Nardostachys jatamansi
are boiled in one litre of coconut oil till the crude vegetable
drug gets charred and attains black colour.
The so obtained oil is filtered and stored in an airtight bottle.
26. 26
Oral Hygiene Products
Toothpastes:
These serve dual purpose; firstly, they remove stains from the teeth,
and secondly, they freshen up breath and mouth.
Traditional toothpastes are used for removing deposits (such as
stains,plaque, etc.) from the teeth surface as they make the teeth
appear dull
Various toothpastes are available with different physical characters
and dispensers.
They are present as viscous liquids and pastes that can be extruded
from inflatable tubes, as pastes that can be extruded from pumps,
and as clear products (called gels) for enhancing their external
appearance.
Sparkles or soft plastic particles of various colours are also added in
many types of toothpaste
27. 27
Tooth Powders:
These are considered to be forerunner of toothpastes;
however, they are now losing popularity.
Tooth powders are mixtures of dental abrasives,
flavouring agents, sweetening agents, and foaming
agents.
They are packed in containers having
an orifice on top for sprinkling.
The major disadvantage of toothpowders
is that a calculated amount is
difficult to obtain.
28. 28
Mouthwashes:
These are flavoured liquids used for rinsing the oral cavity after
brushing and flossing.
Mouthwashes are used orally for maintaining dental hygiene.
They mainly clean teeth, prevent tooth decay and gum diseases,
and also freshen up the breath.
An ideal mouthwash should have the following
properties:
It should be quick in action and potent
enough to show its intended action at specific dilution.
It should have a strong flavour to mask
the foul smell of mouth.
It should have an acceptable taste.
Its production cost should be low.
It should not irritate the oral cavity or
mucous membrane.
It should be non-toxic.
29. 29
Gargles:
These are medicated aqueous preparations used for treating
pharyngitis, laryngitis, and any other throat infections. Gargles are
diluted before use.
They should never be swallowed but should be spitted out after rinsing
the oral cavity. Gargles are formulated using the following ingredients:
Flavouring agents (eucalyptol, menthol, etc.) impart a distinct taste
and flavour.
Preservatives (sodium benzoate) inhibit and prevent microbial
growth.
Sweetening agenst (sodium saccharin and sucralose) provide
acceptable taste.
Water helps in liquefaction of all the ingredients.
Colouring agents enhance the organoleptic property and increase the
aesthetic value.
Fluoride is added in a limited amount to strengthen the teeth and
prevent mottling of teeth.
Detergents provide cleansing action as they remove plaque and
food particles adhered to the teeth.
Calcium strengthens the teeth, and prevents tooth decay and mottling
30. 30
Sources & description of raw material used
of herbal origin in herbal cosmetics
Sources and description of the following raw
materials of herbal origin used in formulating
herbal cosmetics are discussed below:
Fixed oils
Waxes Colours
Perfumes
Protective agents
Bleaching agents,
Antioxidants
Surfactants
Preservatives
31. 31
FIXED OILS
Oils are derived from vegetable and mineral
sources, and are used in cosmetics.
Examples of vegetable oils are almond oil,
arachis oil, castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil.
Examples of mineral oils are light and heavy
paraffin.
32. 32
COCONUT OIL
It is obtained from the dried solid part of the endosperm of
coconut, i.e., Cocos nucifera (family Palmae).
It exists as a white or pearl white unctuous mass in winter and
colourless in summer
33. 33
ALMOND OIL
It is a fixed oil obtained by expressing the seeds of Prunus
amygdalus (family Rosaceae).
It is pale yellow in colour and has a characteristic odour.
The active principles o f almond oil are the mixture of glycoside
with oleic acid, linoleic acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid.
Due to its emollient action, it is used in the preparation of
creams and lotions.
34. 34
ARACHIS OIL
It is a fixed oil obtained from the seeds of Arachis hypogea
(family Leguminosae).
It is pale yellow in colour and has a faint nutty odour.
Refined arachis oil is colourless, and its active principles
include oleic acid, linoleic acid, and a small amount of other
acids.
At 3°C, it turns cloudy, and at a lower temperature, it solidifies.
Arachis oil is used in the preparation of
hair oils and brilliantines.
35. 35
CASTOR OIL
It is obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis (family
Euphorbiaceae).
It is either yellow in colour or colourless and has a slight odour.
Castor oil consists of a mixture of glycosides, in which 80% of
ricinoleic acid is the major constituent.
At 0°C, it forms a clear liquid.
Due to its emollient action, it is used in the preparation of
lipsticks, hair oils, creams, and lotions.
36. 36
OLIVE OIL
It is obtained from the fruits of Olea europea (family
Oleaceae).
It is either pale yellow or greenish yellow in colour, and has a
slight odour.
Olive oil consists of glycerides of oleic, palmitic, linoleic, stearic
and myristic acids.
At low temperature, it gets solidified or partially solidified.
Due to its emollient action and soothing properties, it is used in
the preparation of creams, lotions, and bath oils.
37. 37
LIQUID PARAFFIN:
It consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons and appears as a
colourless and odourless oily liquid.
Its viscosity and weight per ml (0.83-0.87gm) ar e low.
Due to its better spread ability, it is used in the preparation
of bath oils, hair oils, lotions, and creams.
HEAVY LIQUID PARAFFIN:
It is obtained from petroleum.
It is a mixture of hydrocarbons, and appears as a colourless
and odourless oily liquid.
Due to its soothing effect on the skin, it is used in the
preparation of creams, lotions, hair oils, and bath oils.
38. 38
WAX
Waxes are the esters formed by the condensation of high
molecular weight straight chain fatty acids with high molecular
weight straight chain monohydric alcohol of methanol series.
They are used as a base in cosmetics, along with oils and fats.
Some commonly used waxes are:
39. 39
BEESWAX
It is a purified wax separated from the honeycomb of bees, Apis
mellifera (family Apidae).
It is composed of 70% myricyl palmitate ester.
It is a yellowish brown coloured solid with honey-like odour.
Under cold conditions, it turns brittle; and on bleaching, it
becomes a yellowish-white solid with faint characteristic odour.
Its melting point is 62-65°C. Beeswax helps in water
incorporation to form an emulsion.
40. 40
CARNAUBA
It is obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian wax palm,
Copernica cerifera (family Palmae).
It is available in various grades, with the highest grade
existing as light-brown to pale-yellow in colour.
It occurs as moderately coarse powder
or flakes with a characteristic bland odour.
Its melting point ranges from 81-86°C.
Carnauba wax is hard and is used in the
manufacture of candles, wax varnishes,
and leather and furniture polishes.
41. 41
SPERMACETI
It is a solid wax obtained from the head, blubber and ear case of the
sperm whale, Physeter catodon (family Physeteridae).
It consists of cetyl palmitate and cetyl myristate spermaceti in a
solid wax, which is a translucent crystalline, pearly-white, unctuous
mass with a slight odour and taste.
It melts at a specific gravity of about 0.94.
Spermaceti is also available synthetically and consists of a mixture
of esters of saturated fatty alcohols and saturated fatty acids.
Synthetic spermaceti occurs as white to
off-white translucent flakes with
a crystalline structure and a pearly lustre.
Its melting point ranges from 43-47°C.
42. 42
PARAFFIN
It is obtained by the distillation of petroleum. It is a mixture of
solid hydrocarbons, mainly containing n-paraffins, and their
isomers to some extent.
Thus, it is also called hard paraffin wax .
It is colourless, odourless, or a white, translucent, wax-like solid,
and
is slightly greasy to touch.
Its melting point ranges from 50-57°C.
43. 43
COLOUR
Humans are using colours in cosmetics since ancient
times.
The desire to buy a cosmetic product is controlled by
three senses, i.e., sight, touch, and smell.
Thus, colour is an important ingredient of cosmetic
formulations.
Some commonly used natural colours in cosmetics
are:
44. 44
SAFFRON
It is the stigmas and tops of the styles of the plant, Crocus
sativus (family Iridaceae).
It is a perennial plant grown in Jammu and Kashmir.
Saffron powder is yellowish and easily soluble in water, thus is
used as flavouring and colouring agent in food preparations.
It consists of a few carotenoids, of which crocin is an important
natural saffron carotenoid.
Picrocrocin is a colourless
bitter glycoside that imparts
a characteristic odour to saffron.
45. 45
COCHINEAL
It is a red dyestuff obtained from the dried female insect,
Dactylopius coccus (family Coccidae).
The main colouring constituent in cochineal is carminic acid,
which forms red needles on crystallisation; these needles
darken at 130°C and carbonise at 250°C.
Cochineal is extracted with water, and alum is added to this
solution to precipitate carmine lake (the red aluminium salt).
46. 46
CHLOROPHYLL
It is the natural green pigment abundantly found in nature. It is
responsible for photosynthesis.
47. 47
PERFUMES
ROSE
It is obtained by steam distillation of the flower petals of
Rosmarinus officinalis (family Labiatae).
For obtaining rose oil, the blossoms (before they open) are
collected a little before sunrise.
48. 48
JASMINE ESSENTIAL OIL:
It is obtained from the flowers of Jasminum grandiflorum
(family Oleaceae).
For obtaining jasmine oil, solvent extraction method is used.
It is used in perfumery industries.
49. 49
LAVENDER OIL
It is obtained from the flowers and stalk of Lavandula
officinalis (family Labiatae).
50. 50
TUBEROSE OIL
It is obtained from Epimedium acuminatum (also known as
mistress of the night ).
Its oil is a brown, viscous liquid with a sweet, heavy and
sensuous scent.
51. 51
GERANIUM
It is obtained by distillation of the flowers, leaves and stalks of
Pelargonium graveolens (family Geraniaceae).
52. 52
CINNAMON OIL
It is obtained from the different parts of cinnamon tree, i.e., its
leaves, barks, and roots of Cinnamon zeylanicum (family
Lauraceae).
The oil obtained from the bark is of utmost value, and has a
warm, spicy and sweet character.
53. 53
NEROLI OIL
It is an essential oil obtained by distillation of the flowers of
bitter orange tree.
It can be stored in amber-coloured bottles under refrigeration.
54. 54
BLEACHING AGENTS
Mercury Compounds:
Mercuric chloride (HgCl), red mercuric oxide (HgO), and
ammoniated mercury are mercury compounds possessing skin
bleaching properties.
However, at the current time , use of mercury compounds in
cosmetics is prohibited.
Hydroquinones:
They are used as bleaching agents at 1.5-2% concentration for
temporarily lighting the skin.
In 5% concentration, they may cause redness and burning of
skin.
Reverse action of hydroquinones occurs on exposure to sunlight.
If cosmetics containing hydroquinone are discontinued, a similar
effect can be observed.
55. 55
Catechol and its Derivatives:
They exhibit skin lightning effects. 4-Isopropyl catechol is the
most potent de -pigmenting agent.
Catechol derivatives can cause irritation and sensitisation
reaction at 3% or more concentrations.
Ascorbic Acid and its Derivatives:
They are not very effective as a de -pigmenting agent, but can
be used safely.
Ascorbic acid is mostly used in skin bleaching creams,
containing hydroquinone as a stabiliser (antio xidant).
Ascorbyl oleate is used at 3% and 5% concentrations in skin
bleaching cream for bleaching freckles in human skin.
56. 56
Antioxidants
Natural antioxidants (like tocopherols), present in fats
and oils, are destroyed during the refining process.
Hence, antioxidants should be essentially added in
cosmetics to avoid the rancidity of fats and oils due to
oxidative deterioration.
Some commonly used antioxidants used in cosmetics
are:
57. 57
Tamarind:
Tamarindus indica (family Fabaceae) is widely grown in
tropical regions.
Tamarind seeds exhibit radical scavenging, anti -microbial and
lipid peroxidation reducing activities.
Due to its antioxidant activity, tamarind is added in anti-
wrinkle cosmetics.
58. 58
Vitamin C:
It prevents free r adical damage by donating free radicals.
It boosts up the immune system. Carrots, peaches, sweet potatoes,
oranges,broccoli, etc. are the major sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin E:
It is known as scavenger of free radicals.
It is beneficial against
certain types of cancer and cardiac problems.
Almonds, nuts, whole cereal grains, vegetable oils, etc. are the
major sources of vitamin E.
59. 59
Pomegranate:
The extract of pomegranate plant, Punica granatum, exhibit
antioxidant and antiviral properties, and enhance the effectiveness
of topical sunscreens.
Pomegranate seed oil exhibit chemopreventive
activity against skin cancer.
Pomegranate peel extracts foster dermal
regeneration.
Pomegranate seed oil fractions facilitate
epidermal regeneration.
Liquorice:
Glycyrrhiza glabra extract is used to treat skin
irritation, dermatitis, eczema, pruritus, and cysts.
Glycyrrhizin is an important constituent of
liquorice, and has a chemopreventive action.
60. 60
Surfactants
Surfactants (or surface active agents) reduce the boundary
tension in one or more than one interface in the system.
They also stabilise one or more interface by forming absorbed
layers.
Due to these properties, surfactants are incorporated in
cosmetics.
Surfactants are used in the preparation of cosmetics due to the
following five uses:
1) Detergency
2) Wetting
3) Foaming
4) Emulsification
5) Solubilisation
61. 61
Clove Oil:
It is obtained from the buds of
Eugenia
caryophyllus
(family Myrtaceae).
It can also be used in perfume
industries in small doses.
Ambrette Oil:
It is obtained by expressing the seeds of
Abelmoschus moschatus (family Malvaceae).
The oil is rich, sweet, floral and musky in nature.
It can be used as an anti-ageing agent.
Sandalwood Oil:
It is obtained by steam distillation of the
hard wood of Santalum album
(family Sundalaceae).
It is used as a fixative agent in most of the
perfumes.
62. 62
Preservatives
Preservatives are used to prevent spoilage of cosmetic products and also the
growth of microorganisms. They are t he products of oxidation of oils and fats.
Most cosmetic preparations, especially those containing water are prone to
deterioration if not added with preservatives.
An ideal preservative should possess the following characteristics:
1. It should be compatible with the formulation.
2. It should be soluble to the extent needed to achieve an effective
concentratio n.
3. It should be stable enough to provide a sustained antimicrobial effect.
4. It should be colourless and odourless.
5. It should be non-irritant and non-allergic in the concentrations used.
Examples-
6. Organic acids, like Benzoic acid and Formic acid.
7. Alcohols, like Ethyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol.
8. Aldehydes, like Formaldehyde and Cinnamic aldehyde.
9. Phenolics, like Cresol and Phenol.
10. Esters, like Methyl-p-hydroxy benzoate