The power of natural substances is harnessed by herbal cosmetics to provide a gentle and effective organic approach to skin care.

Herbal cosmetics have become very popular in a world where living a more natural and sustainable lifestyle is becoming more popular. The power of natural substances is harnessed by herbal cosmetics to provide a gentle and effective organic approach to skin care. These remedies, which have their roots in ancient Ayurveda, emphasize the balance of body, mind and spirit and its principles guarantee not only total wellbeing but also beauty. 
The word cosmetic was derived from the Greek word “kosmtikos” meaning skill in adornment or related to beautifying. Cosmetics, according to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, is defined as articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed on, introduced into or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance and includes any article intended for use as a component of cosmetic. When the natural herbs and their products are used for their aromatic value in cosmetic preparation, they are termed as herbal cosmetics.
The skin of individuals depends on the health, routine job, climatic conditions genetics and maintenance. The skin due to excessive exposure to heat dehydrates during summer and causes freckles, blemishes, pigmentation and sunburns. Whereas as in winters, there is formation of cracks, cuts and infections. There are numerous herbs available naturally having number of uses in cosmetic preparations for skin care. Due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiaging actions, herbal cosmetics are preferred for skin care. 
Terms used for the basic skin care 
Cleansing agent
Removes the dirt that chokes the pores on the skin and dead cells.
Toner
Helps to tighten the skin and prevent it from being exposed to many of the toxins that are present in the atmosphere.
Moisturiser
Helps the skin to become soft and supple. 
Cosmetics Tailored For Type of Skin
Dry Skin 
Cleansing Agent
Ingredients
•    2 tablespoons fresh Aloe vera gel
•    1 tablespoon raw honey
•    1 teaspoon Olive Oil
Mix Aloe vera gel, raw honey, and olive oil in a bowl until well combined. Apply the mixture on face and gently massage in circular motions. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Toner
•    1 cup rose water
•    1 tablespoon dried Chamomile flowers
Boil the rose water and add the dried chamomile flowers.     Let it steep for 20 minutes, then strain the liquid into a spray bottle.     Use the toner twice daily after cleansing.
Moisturizer
•    2 tablespoons Almond Oil
•    1 teaspoon Sandalwood powder
•    1 tablespoon Aloe Vera gel
Mix almond oil, sandalwood powder, and aloe vera gel to form a smooth paste. Apply the moisturizer to the face and neck after toning.
Sensitive Skin
Cleansing Agent
Ingredients
•    1 tablespoon Neem powder
•    1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
•    2 tablespoons Coconut milk
Mix neem powder, turmeric powder, and coconut milk in a bowl.     Apply the mixture to the face and gently massage.     Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.
Toner
•    1 cup Cucumber juice
•    1 tablespoon fresh Mint leaves
Blend cucumber juice and fresh mint leaves until smooth.     Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Use the toner twice daily after cleansing.
Moisturizer 
•    2 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel
•    A few strands of Saffron
Soak saffron strands in aloe vera gel overnight.     Mix well before applying to the face and neck after toning.
Oily Skin
Cleansing Agent
Ingredients
•    2 tablespoons Multani Mitti 
•    1 tablespoon Lemon juice
•    1 tablespoon Rose Water
Mix multani mitti, lemon juice, and rose water to form a paste.     Apply the mixture to the face and let it sit for 10 minutes.     Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Toner 
•    1 cup distilled water
•    1 tablespoon dried Tulsi  leaves
•    2 tablespoons Neem leaves
Boil the distilled water and add the dried tulsi leaves and neem leaves.     Let it steep for 20 minutes, then strain the liquid. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use twice daily after cleansing.
Moisturizer
•    2 tablespoons Aloe Vera Gel
•    3 drops Tea Tree Oil
 Mix aloe vera gel and tea tree oil until well combined.     Apply the moisturizer to the face and neck after toning.
Plants are extensively used in cosmetics  to cure skin disorders. They are found to have dual use, both as curative and cosmetic. The plants used in cosmetics do not merely enhance beauty but have definite medicinal value to combat skin ailments like acne, eczema, dermatitis and hyper pigmentation.
Assistant Professor,
Department of Agada Tantra,
Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar