Phytocosmetics in Africa

Abstract

The demand for cosmetics from natural sources is increasing. It is attractive to the consumer market due to their functional benefits. The phytocosmetics market of toiletries, perfumes and cosmetics has grown in the world market. This article aims to focus on and examine the state of phytocosmetics in Africa (Fig. 1). A survey from United States showed growth in the use of herbs by adults for cosmetics use and for the treatment of medical conditions, at a rate of 3% -12% -21% in the years 1990 -1997 -2001 respectively.1 It was reported 2 that 38 million people from US used herbal therapies. Development of cosmetics from Africa, from seed oils and their components, are attracting international companies with their marketing potential. The African beauty market is expected to double in the next decade with the rate of sales increasing up to a rate of 5 -10 % of beauty care products. In Africa the per capita spending on cosmetics ranges from 10 -20 times lower than in developed market, but Africans can look forward to a resurgence of phytocosmetic products and an increase of marketers who are interested in their future growth.

Enhancement strategies for transdermal drug delivery systems: current trends and applications

“…The ancient populations in Africa administered different types of traditional plants and minerals topically for cosmetic purposes or treatment of skin diseases [ 52 ]. For example, in 4000 BC, ancient Egyptians had discovered the use of natural resources, such as henna, red ochers and kohl, for skin care and cosmetics [ 53 ]. In 1500 BC, they wrote hundreds of drugs and prescriptions on a papyrus paper, namely Ebers Papyrus (manuscript on medicine) [ 54 ].…”

New Insights in Topical Drug Delivery for Skin Disorders: From a Nanotechnological Perspective

“…Africans from ancient times treated dermal disorders using phytochemicals, minerals, and cosmetic products like red ochers, kohl, and henna in 4000 BC. In 1500 BC, Ebers Papyrus wrote a book based on papyrus paper containing information like the use of the tiger nut for wound healing management. − The emulsion-based cold cream of beeswax, water, and vegetable oil was first formulated by a Greek physician Galen for skin care after 1500 BC. These creams possessed good activity against microbial infections and so were used for treating burns and wounds in Greece and were further employed for the administration of mixed herbs as plasters and bandages by Chinese people in the ancient period.…”

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”. Plants and plant-based preparations for facial care in Suriname

“…Additional evidence for the early use of cosmetics comes for archeological finds demonstrating that already around 10,000 BC men and women in ancient Egypt used scented oils and ointments to clean and soften their skin and mask their body odor [5]. From about 3,000 BC on, the use of beauty products and makeup became more widespread in Egypt [6] and expanded to large parts of Africa and Asia [7].…”

“…Both men and women applied kohl as eyeliner and eyeshadow which also shielded the eyes from the hot sun and the dry winds [6,7] ( Figure 1). People also protected their skin with balms and creams prepared from Castor oil; wore lipsticks containing extracts from red algae, sometimes enriched with a pearlescent substance from fish scales to obtain an iridescent effect; fought wrinkles with the aromatic resin frankincense from trees of the genus Boswellia (Burseraceae) and fresh Moringa olifeira Lam.…”