“During the last decade, the herbal beauty care business has actually driven the growth of the beauty business in India. The emphasis has been on the spectacular growth of the herbal and ayurvedic beauty products business,” beauty expert Shahnaz Husain told IANS.
She was the first to introduce the concept of ayurvedic cosmetics to the world when she launched her products way back in 1970.
Today, the Indian cosmetics industry has a plethora of herbal cosmetic brands like Forest Essentials, Biotique, Himalaya, Blossom Kochhar, VLCC, Dabur and Lotus; and many more are adding to the list.
The Indian cosmetics market - defined as skin care, hair care, colour cosmetics, fragrances and oral care segments - stood at an estimated $2.5 billion in 2008 and is expected to grow at seven percent, according to an analysis of the sector.
One such brand is Tathaastu, which deals in products made of essential oils.
Divita Kanoria, Tathaastu’s chief wellness officer, said the presence of artificial and chemical ingredients in their cosmetic products has made people rethink about suitable alternatives to suit their skin.
“Of late, there have been attempts to find alternatives. Beauty recipes from China and India using traditional herbs have earned a special significance the world over. Ayurvedic recipes from India for skin and hair treatment also serve as cosmetics,” Kanoria said.
“The best part about organic cosmetics is that unlike chemical-based cosmetics, these do not interfere with the body’s absorption of Vitamin D. Moreover, these help an individual to have a healthy skin, lustrous hair and glowing complexion in a completely natural way,” she added.
People have also become aware of the “ingredients” of cosmetic products.
“Today awareness of beauty products and