EVALUATION OF THE USAGE OF HERBAL ANTIOXIDANTS IN COSMETICS

Abstract

The use of plants in health and cosmetics has a long history. But in recent years, the interest in natural products has been increasing more and more. Topical cosmetic applications of herbs include changing skin color, protecting from sunlight, treating acne and body rashes, removing blemishes, softening skin, treating sunburns, smoothing skin and maintaining healthy skin. Herbal cosmetics are quickly absorbed by the superficial layers of the skin and are generally hypoallergenic. Organic cosmetic ingredients derived from plant species contain higher amounts of natural antioxidants. This is why they have successfully replaced synthetic ingredients or synthetic additives used to stabilize cosmetics, which are often harmful to the skin. Antioxidant activity is related to the protection of biomolecules in the human body and other biological systems from oxidation which can occur in various ways. Free radicals are molecules that attack somatic cells and the immune system in the body and damage them by oxidation. The antioxidant also reacts with these free radicals that damage cells and compounds that impair or destroy their effects. In this study, a literature review on the use of herbal antioxidants in cosmetics was made.