Abstract

*Dr. Anagha V. G., Dr. Amrutha Sahni and Dr. Vikram. S.

ABSTRACT

The concept of beauty and cosmetics in Ayurveda is very ancient. Ayurveda explained the concept of cosmetology in different terms. It include different terms like Varnya (improves to complexion), keshya (good for hair) & twachya (favourable to skin) etc. History of herbal cosmetics in ancient India can be found from different civilization like Harappa, Mohenjodaro & also from great epics like Mahabharata, Ramayana etc. Rules & regulation for herbal cosmetics found in Drug & Cosmetic Act under section 3(h) soudarya prasadaka /Husane afza/Azhag-sadhan category of drug. Bhaishajya ratnavali a compiled text book of 18th centuary AD was reviewed in this article for different Yogas related to cosmetics. It includes several Kesha related Yogas(palitya hara, darunaka hara, kesha ranjaka Yogas), Varnya Yogas(mukha kanti vardhaka Yogas, vyanga-tarunya pidaka-tila kalaka hara Yogas), Twak related Yogas(shareera dourgandhyahara Yogas, vipadika hara Yogas, loma shatana Yogas), other related to osta, netra, danta & mukha dourgandyahara Yogas were also reviewed. Kesha related Yogas can be compared with hair dyes & Anti-dandruff preparations in modern.Varnya kara Yogas can be compared with different face powders, rouges & creams etc. Twak related Yogas can be compared with Anti-perspirants & deodorants, crack free creams, Depilators etc. Osta Yogas can compared with different lip preparations, mukha dourgandhya hara & danta Yogas can compared with dentrifrices. Netra Yogas compared with different eye make up preparations. Our classical Yogas are meant mainly for therapeutic function, in addition to that have cosmetic benefits also. That its self will be advantage of classical cosmetic Yogas over modern cosmetics. Cosmeceuticals are the combinations of cosmetics & pharmaceutics. Most of the reviewed Yogas here can be compared to cosmeceuticals in Ayurveda as it can provide cosmetic as well as medicinal benefits also.