Herbal cosmetics cannot be prepared by using ONLY HERBS/HERBAL materials. You have to use basic composition of particular formulations like in case of shampoo, one has to use its base. To that base, we can incorporate Herbal extracts.

Organic extracts are not found harmful till now and they are preferable to avoid any possible hazardous effect of inorganic chemicals used in cultivation.

For shampoo you can use extracts of Shikakai (Senegalia rugata), Amla (Indian gooseberry), Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba), etc.

For face scrub Shalmali (Bombax ceiba), Haridra (Turmeric), Chandana (Sandalwood), Nimba (Neem leaves - Azadirechta indica), etc. should be used.

Thanks for your comments. Is there any standard ratio for excipients (Binder, Color, lubricants and others)? Can you please share a protocol?

You can begin with the use of essential oil and water extract, safer and easier.

Here is one novel example in the added PDF.

Dear Shibabrata. Many years ago I did turn-around a chemical company that produced raw materials for the cosmetic industry. We also had clients that made their own cosmetics. The skin is the largest human organ and thus full of surprises. Hence,There are a number of points to consider : Point 1 : you need a good insurance because you dont have any control over who is using your products.(just imagine a Holywood star will use your products and will get a rash -- you may use all your wealth). Point 2 You need a detailed undertanding of extraction and separation technology- analytica and production scale (you need high yield of traget compounds an none of the problem causing compounds) Point 3 :You need to know the local laws of your taget market because they define what chemicals can be used under what regulation . Point 4 : You have to profile your extract eg. LC, MS, NMR and if possible some in vivo assays. Regards Willi

Hi

In my opinion, the use of herbs alone in cosmetic and even medicinal formulations is not easily possible. It is better for you to get the active ingredient from each plant and use it for the desired cosmetic formulation. I agree with Willie. In addition to extracting and identifying the active ingredient with the methods that Willy has mentioned, you should also consider the possible side effects of the active ingredient. Extracting the active ingredient from a plant and identifying it is a very long process. We have recently obtained an active ingredient from a plant that is effective in treating all types of wounds, especially chronic wounds such as diabetic wounds. This is the result of about 8 years of working around the clock.