The Indian philosophy of Plant-based Personal Care

Posted on: October 8th, 2024 04:05 PM

How many consumers in India think that the trend of using plant-based, natural personal care is a Western philosophy and is new to India? 

A large number of people are unaware that India is home to a variety of knowledge about skincare, cosmetics, treatments, and beautification. 

With its rich heritage in Ayurveda (literally “the study of life”), India has long been a powerful force of natural ingredients of beauty and wellness. The science of cosmetics or cosmetology originated in India, with the earliest records dating back to 2500 B.C., to the Indus Valley civilization.

The demand for natural skincare and cosmetics, often referred to as “green beauty” is rapidly increasing as consumers are choosing environment-friendly alternatives, opting for cruelty-free beauty. 

This approach emphasizes using natural, plant-derived ingredients, and avoiding harmful chemicals and synthetic additives. Natural become an effective option for many consumers as the products remain safe for the body and have negligible side-effects.

The Indian philosophy and the Ayurveda for skincare and haircare are rooted in the belief that nature provides the most effective solutions for personal care. 

Let us delve deeper into the ancient Indian knowledge of plant-based and natural personal care and understand what Ayurveda says about personal care products.

India’s History of Natural Cosmetics


India's cultural heritage is intertwined with its rich tradition of Natural and Herbal cosmetics, which includes diverse systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, naturopathy, and homeopathy.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine system believes that beauty is not just for outward presentation but for achieving good health and a long life. India is a land of home remedies, with millions following their family recipes for skin and hair care.

Many practices related to the personal care of men and women are subtly interwoven around the seasons (Rutus in Sanskrit) and daily life.

  • Ayurveda believes that damaged hairlines or frequency of hair loss are signs of imbalance in the Pitta dosha. Providing moisture and nourishment to the Hair through oiling and massaging is a generational practice in India. 
  • Charak Samhita describes the need for a healthy and balanced diet where the proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, and minerals should be equally balanced.
  • Using high-quality, herb-infused ayurvedic hair oils like Sesame, Neem, Castor, and Rosemary once a week for a hair massage once a week can improve the quality of hair and increase the volume.  
  • A popular shampoo ingredient is the herb shikakai, which comes from the shikakai pods and nuts of the Acacia concinna shrub, which promotes hair development, battles hair fall, and dandruff, and adds a natural shine to the hair. 
  • For Natural cosmetics, the ancient Indian practice of applying Henna to the Hair and natural Kohl or Kajal (a dark eyeliner) treat various skin ailments. Kumkum, a commonly used social and religious ingredient, applied as a Bindi or in Pujas, is an important color cosmetic in India.

The Natural Cosmetics Revolution in India:

India has witnessed a significant shift towards natural and organic cosmetics in recent years.

This shift is closely driven by growing awareness among consumers about the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals and a desire to embrace a natural lifestyle. 

A survey showed that 71% of Indian consumers would buy skincare, haircare, or a cosmetic product if it claimed to be ‘Natural’, ‘Organic’, and ‘Free from Harsh chemicals.

With an annual growth rate of CAGR of 3.29%, the Indian Natural Cosmetics industry is projected to generate a revenue of US $0.9 billion by 2024.

Key Factors Driving the Natural Cosmetics Revolution:

  • The Love for Natural Products:

One of the major reasons why Indians prefer natural cosmetics and personal care is their undying love for natural products. 

Opting for cruelty-free, plant-based products, consumers are ditching chemical products that are non-toxic and have an environmentally friendly manufacturing process. 

Consumers look for natural and sustainable options for their beauty routines like Aloe Vera gel or Organic Concealer, that is good for the skin and the planet.

  • Growing Demand for Organic and Natural Products: 

The organic food industry has grown significantly in the last decades. India has over 1 million organic food producers, standing at the top of production.

Consumer demand for organic and natural personal care options has increased across various categories and new homegrown brands are turning up with innovative alternatives. 

Isn’t it confusing to find a single platform that brings 1000+ India’s top certified Natural and Organic options?

Re: fresh, an organic and natural marketplace that sources 100% authentic and natural, plant-based personal care and cosmetics products for your Body and Skincare. 

The Future of Plant-based Personal Care:


The Indian history of natural care and cosmetics offers a holistic approach to beauty and wellness. By incorporating natural ingredients into your daily routine, you can achieve harmony with the environment. 

As the demand for natural and organic products continues to grow, it is essential to support ethically processed and sustainable brands. However, the industry is still growing and it requires knowledge to understand what works for your skin and what does not!

Embrace the Ayurvedic tradition and experience the transformative power of plant-based personal care and cosmetics.

How many #Indianconsumers 🇮🇳 thought #plant-based, #natural personal care trend is a #Western philosophy?

What if we tell you India has long been a powerful force of natural ingredients of #beauty and #wellness!! 🍀

With its rich heritage in #Ayurveda (literally “the study of life”), the #science of cosmetics or cosmetology originated in India, with the earliest records dating back to 2500 B.C., to the #IndusValleyCivilization.🛖

Indians have been using Kajal, Heena, and Coloured Bindis for thousands of years. It was before the idea of going sustainable floated, that we had natural products for a #modern life.

The country has witnessed a significant shift towards natural and organic cosmetics in recent years. This shift is closely driven by growing awareness among consumers about the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals and a desire to embrace a #natural lifestyle.

So, the next time someone tells you Natural Lifestyle is a foreign vision, tell them your #kajal was invented before half of the world. 😅

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