Abstract
Plant extracts have been used in cosmetics for their fragrance and healing properties since ancient times, and they offer a rich source of bioactive compounds as an alternative to synthetic chemicals in personal care product formulations. Extracts may be derived from whole plants or from specific parts of plants such as leaves, stems, barks, roots, flowers and/or fruits, and may be either total extracts or selective extracts. Each extract may contain hundreds of different compounds with the complexity providing its own challenges in terms of both batch variability and defining mechanisms of action. This chapter aims to review some of the beneficial properties for which plant-derived components are added to personal care products. An outline is provided of essential oils and plant-derived phytoestrogens together with sources of plant-derived alternatives to synthetic chemicals for colorants, sun protection, preservatives, detergents, wound healing, and skin lightening. While this may be satisfying a consumer-led demand for more “natural” products, a greater evidence base is needed not only for efficacy but also for adverse effects over long-term and increasing usage patterns.
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