Herbal raw materials are widely used in skincare products for their various therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.
These ingredients are derived from different parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, stems, and roots, and are incorporated in various forms, including fixed oils, waxes, gums, colors, perfumes, bleaching agents, and antioxidants.
Below is a detailed classification of these herbal raw materials and their sources:
1) Fixed Oils
Fixed oils are obtained from the fatty parts of plants, such as nuts, seeds, and fruits. They provide moisturizing, nourishing, and emollient properties in skincare formulations.
Jojoba Oil – Extracted from jojoba seeds; similar to human sebum, with moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Coconut Oil – Derived from coconut meat; rich in fatty acids with antimicrobial properties.
Argan Oil – Extracted from argan kernels; high in vitamin E and antioxidants, making it ideal for anti-aging skincare.
2) Waxes
Waxes serve as thickening agents and form a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.
Beeswax – A natural emollient that creates a protective layer on the skin.
Carnauba Wax – Derived from carnauba palm leaves; used for its film-forming and moisturizing properties.
Candelilla Wax – Extracted from candelilla shrub leaves; functions as a thickening and protective agent.
3) Gums
Gums are used to improve the texture, stability, and viscosity of skincare products.
Xanthan Gum – Produced from sugar fermentation; works as a thickener and stabilizer.
Acacia Gum – Obtained from Acacia tree sap; known for its emollient and soothing properties.
Guar Gum – Extracted from guar plant seeds; used to enhance product texture.
4) Natural Colorants
Plant-based colorants provide natural pigmentation to skincare products.
Beetroot Powder – Derived from beetroot; used as a natural pink/red pigment.
Annatto Extract – Obtained from annatto seeds; functions as a colorant and antioxidant.
Turmeric Extract – Derived from turmeric root; offers anti-inflammatory benefits along with natural yellow pigmentation.
5) Perfumes (Essential Oils)
Essential oils add natural fragrance to skincare products while offering therapeutic benefits.
Lavender Oil – Sourced from lavender flowers; provides calming and soothing effects.
Rose Oil – Extracted from rose petals; known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea Tree Oil – Derived from tea tree leaves; valued for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
6) Bleaching Agents
Herbal bleaching agents help lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production.
Licorice Root Extract – Contains glabridin, which brightens skin and reduces pigmentation.
Bearberry Extract – Contains arbutin, a natural melanin inhibitor that lightens dark spots.
Kojic Acid – A byproduct of rice fermentation; used to lighten pigmentation and even skin tone.
7) Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.
Green Tea Extract – Offers UV protection, anti-inflammatory benefits, and helps reduce redness.
Vitamin C – Brightens skin, improves texture, and shields against environmental damage.
Rosehip Oil – Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene; combats aging and fine lines.
