Natural skin care
[1] The personal skin care market based on natural products has shown strong growth.
[5]: 4 "The U.S. government has documented more than 10,500 ingredients in cosmetic products, but only a small percentage of those chemicals have been tested for safety.
Of those that have been tested, some have been identified as carcinogens (causes cancer), teratogens (causes birth defects), and reproductive toxicants (damages the ability to reproduce).
[2][13][14] Research is scientifically assessing natural products, selected based on experience in the ancient era.
[6] Polycyclic musk fragrance ingredients, which have raised concerns as persistent and bioaccumulative endocrine disruptors, are being discontinued.
[22] According to Baumann, "Botanical compounds for which dermatologic and cosmetic applications have emerged include: olive oil, chamomile, colloidal oatmeal, oat kernel extract, feverfew, acai berry, coffee berry, curcumin, green tea, pomegranate, licorice, paper mulberry, arbutin, and soy.
[3] A review of 35 plant families found that a "variety of phytomolecules, derived in particular from polyphenols, triterpenes and sterols classes, demonstrated a promising activity.
For hyperpigmentation and antioxidative capabilities, licorice, green tea, arbutin, soy, acai berry, turmeric and pomegranate are among those plants and compounds found to be most beneficial.
Additional research is needed to determine to confirm and elucidate the benefits of these ingredients in the prevention and management of skin disease.
"[2] An assessment of clinical trials on green tea preparations and their uses in dermatology found some evidence for potential benefits.
[citation needed] Ayurvedic approaches have been used in molluscum contagiosum,[25] lymphatic filariasis, vitiligo and lichen planus.
Dermatological research suggests that the bioactive ingredients used in cosmeceuticals have benefits beyond the traditional moisturizer (e.g., Chen et al., 2005;[36] Zettersten, Ghadially, Feingold, Crumrine, & Elias, 1997).
Biocompatible and environmentally friendly natural compounds have the potential to provide materials with photoresistant and thermoresistant properties.
[9] Bhuchar recommends that "ingestible substances including most homeopathic, Ayurvedic, and traditional Chinese medicine herbal formulations that are not US FDA regulated should be viewed with caution as they may cause severe adverse effects" such as arsenic poisoning and liver failure.
"[8] Given the shortage of evidence for natural skin care efficacy, if applied it may often need to be used in combination with conventional treatment, rather than independently.
[8] In fact, a recent 2022 study found that nearly all skin products that have the label "natural" actually contained ingredients that triggered contact dermatitis.
