Essential oils can be added to bath salts.
When people hear the term “cosmetics,” they often think of makeup products, but the term also applies to lotions, shampoos, face creams, and any other products designed for external use and used to enhance the wearer’s features. While some makeup brands may contain herbal ingredients, herbal cosmetics often fall into other product categories. Herbal cosmetics often rely on herbs rather than artificial chemicals to provide their intended benefits.
Some companies sell herbal cosmetics made with organic ingredients and paraben-free.
Herbal cosmetics can vary significantly. Some brands may use a single essential oil to provide fragrance, while others base all of their formulas on herbs. Those looking for all-natural products should read ingredient lists very carefully, because even though labels may claim to offer herbal blends, the products may still contain unwanted chemicals. Cosmetics are not as regulated as medical products designed for external use, so a company can claim to use an herbal formula, even if herbs make up no more than a small percentage of the ingredient list.
Manufacturers use a wide variety of herbs in their herbal cosmetics. Some of the most common include lavender, tea tree oil, and chamomile. These three herbs are generally considered among the safest for the skin when diluted, which may explain their popularity. Lavender and chamomile are popular choices for night lotions and bath products due to their calming properties. Tea tree oil is beneficial for people with a wide variety of skin conditions and is often featured in facial products designed for people with acne.
While some herbal cosmetics may use whole or ground herbs in their formulas, such as suspending a sprig of lavender in a bath oil so the oil can be infused with the herb’s properties, most manufacturers use essential oils. lavender These oils are easier to work with and can be added to many different types of foundations, from lotions to bath salts to oils. The type of essential oil used is one of the factors that determine the price of the product, as certain oils are easier to extract in large quantities and cost much less than others.
One of the benefits of herbal cosmetics is that they are relatively easy to make at home. An herbal hair rinse, for example, requires nothing more than a handful of fresh or dried chamomile and a splash of distilled water. Taking an herbal-infused bath is as easy as adding a few herbs to an empty, unused tea bag and steeping it in water. While herbal cosmetics are generally safe for most users, people with sensitive skin should be careful as some oils can be irritating. People with severe skin problems should talk to their dermatologists before using any new products.