Natural Products for Cosmetic Applications
Natural products are an important source of new drug discovery.Roughly more than 30% of the 1,881 new drugs marketed between January 1981 and September 2019 are related to natural medicines, either derived directly from natural products or based on derivatives or mimetics of natural products. Not only that, but natural products are also a treasure trove of cosmetic ingredients. With the rise of the concept of "green cosmetics", consumers are increasingly in favor of cosmetics of natural origin. Natural products are not only characterized by a variety of activities to meet the needs of cosmetics in antioxidant, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, whitening, etc., and its environmentally friendly properties are also in line with the concept of sustainable development. In addition, the richness and diversity of natural products provide cosmetic brands with room for innovation and competitive advantages of differentiation. Therefore, natural products have great potential in the cosmetics field.
Cosmetic plant active ingredients are whole plants or specific tissues of the original plant, without specific modifications, through the extraction of a specific kind or class of active ingredients for the isolation and concentration, in the form of solid, powder or liquid, as the active efficacy of the ingredient added to cosmetic formulations. Plant active ingredients applied to formulations mainly include plant polysaccharides, plant proteins, and secondary metabolites (terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, lignans, minerals). Cosmetics may have corresponding moisturizing, aging, whitening, soothing, anti-sensitivity, acne, oil control and other cosmetic effects due to the addition of plant active ingredients.
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Benefits of Natural Products in Cosmetics
Safety and Reduced Allergic Reactions
Natural products are generally less likely to cause allergic reactions or sensitivities compared to synthetic ingredients. This is because natural ingredients often have a more straightforward composition and lack the artificial additives and preservatives found in many conventional cosmetics. For instance, plant-based ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera are renowned for their soothing properties, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
Efficacy through Bioactive Compounds
Many natural products contain bioactive compounds that offer therapeutic benefits. For example, antioxidants present in green tea extract can neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and delaying signs of aging. Similarly, essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil are celebrated for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing the effectiveness of cosmetic formulations.
Environmental Sustainability
Natural products are often derived from renewable resources, supporting sustainability in the cosmetic industry. The use of organic farming practices, responsible harvesting, and minimal processing helps reduce the environmental footprint. Ingredients such as seaweed and botanical extracts not only contribute to eco-friendly formulations but also support biodiversity and soil health.
Reduced Chemical Exposure
Natural cosmetics help minimize exposure to potentially harmful synthetic chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. These chemicals have been associated with various health concerns, including endocrine disruption and allergic reactions. By using natural alternatives, consumers can reduce their overall chemical load.
By leveraging these benefits, natural products not only address consumer demands for safer and more sustainable options but also contribute to the advancement of cosmetic science with enhanced efficacy and environmental responsibility.
Types of Natural Products in Cosmetics
Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are common plant moisturizing and age-defying active ingredients. The most common cosmetic plant active ingredients on the market are also polysaccharides, commonly including aloe vera polysaccharides, oat polysaccharides, dendrobium polysaccharides and so on. Among them, Aloe Vera polysaccharide is a polysaccharide substance extracted from Aloe Vera, which can improve the hydration status of the skin and reduce transdermal water loss at the same time, and has obvious hydration and moisturizing effect on the skin. Experiments have shown that different concentrations of Aloe vera polysaccharides in the short term can increase the water content of the stratum corneum and reduce the water loss. Aloe vera gel, for example, contains aloe vera polysaccharides which all show good moisturizing ability. In addition, there is glycerol glucoside, which is a key component for the survival of desert plants such as cypress and miro wood. It has similar water-locking power with hyaluronic acid, but its molecular weight is 5,000 times smaller than that of sodium hyaluronate, and the cosmetic products made from this product do not have a sticky skin feel and have good air permeability.
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Proteins
Different plant proteins are enzymatically hydrolyzed or hydrolyzed to obtain peptides and amino acids with different molecular weights, which have good affinity and hydrophilicity to the skin, and have better film-forming, moisturizing and antioxidant effects. Alfalfa protein polypeptide obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis has better scavenging ability for DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion radicals, etc. Moreover, compared with chemically synthesized antioxidant polypeptides, it is less hazardous to human body, has high safety, and has outstanding antioxidant ability.
Flavonoids are secondary metabolites of plants and a general term for a large class of substances. Flavonoids have whitening, antioxidant, anti-aging, antibacterial and other effects in cosmetics, and high safety.
- Salvia, its main antimicrobial component is tanshinone. Tansy extract is able to inhibit fungal growth and reproduction, and it can reduce the inflammatory response of already infected tissues, promote wound healing and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, so that skin problems such as pimples and acne can be improved.
- Hibiscus sabdariffa, the content of flavonoids in Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf extract is 4.77%, using DPPH free radical scavenging test, the DPPH free radical scavenging rate reaches 70.55% at the concentration of 10mg/mL, and the scavenging ability of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract is very obvious.
- Glycyrrhiza glabra, the flavonoids in its extract are also known as glycyrrhizidine. The main function of licorice flavonoids is to achieve whitening effect by inhibiting the activity of enzymes such as tyrosinase and dopa pigment interconvertase. Licorice extract helps to improve melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with fewer adverse reactions and higher safety.
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Polyphenols
Polyphenols are secondary metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities that reduce oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates and DNA in living cells and tissues.
- Grape seed, the extract of which contains the polyphenol anthocyanin, is a new type of highly effective natural antioxidant that cannot be synthesized in the human body. It is the most powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenging substance found in nature. Its antioxidant activity is 50 times that of vitamin E and 20 times that of vitamin C. Grape seed extract can resist free radicals, prevent collagen fiber destruction, avoid sagging skin and wrinkles.
- Andrographolide, a polyphenol present in pomegranate peel extract, has been shown to have a whitening effect superior to that of vitamin C derivatives when compounded with a mass fraction of 40% andrographolide and vitamin C derivatives. When 40% andrographolide: vitamin C = 4:1 and added to the cosmetic matrix in an amount of 1.2%, its inhibitory effect on tyrosinase has reached 51.96%.
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Applications of Natural Products in Cosmetic Categories
In each category, different natural products are used for various applications of cosmetics:
Natural Hair Products
Natural hair products include shampoos, conditioners, and treatments formulated with natural ingredients such as essential oils, botanical extracts, and plant-based proteins. These products aim to improve hair health, reduce scalp irritation, and enhance shine.
Natural Sunshine Products
Natural Sunshine products encompass a range of dietary supplements and functional foods designed to support overall health. These products often include natural extracts and nutrients that contribute to well-being and complement cosmetic applications.
Natural Cleaning Products
Natural cleaning products utilize plant-based and biodegradable ingredients to offer effective cleaning solutions without harsh chemicals. They are used for personal hygiene and home cleaning, aligning with eco-friendly practices.
Natural Skin Care Products
Natural skin care products include moisturizers, serums, and masks formulated with ingredients such as botanical extracts, essential oils, and minerals. These products target various skin concerns, including hydration, anti-aging, and acne.
Natural Slim Products
Natural slim products are designed to support weight management and body contouring. They often include natural extracts and compounds that aid in metabolism and fat reduction.
Beauty and cosmetics based on natural products despite preserving a multitude of benefits ranging from safety to effectiveness, sustainability-environmentally friendly aspects to consumer preference. The industry is on the verge of further expansion and development, with natural products playing a vital role in creating new natural ingredients or formulations.
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