The retail beauty and cosmetics industry in India is booming like never before. It is now estimated to be a nine hundred million dollar industry. Market estimates hint that the annual growth would be 15-20% in the coming years, twice as fast as that of the US or European Markets. But, how do these products influence the buyers and what kind of awareness prevails among them is something one needs to discuss about.
It’s a popular trend to check for ingredients in food products. We ensure that we buy the best quality brands, check for manufacturing process as well as expiry dates. But many of us do not tend to do the same with cosmetics. We neither check for the ingredients nor the manufacturing processes.
The usage of cosmetics date back to early civilizations when personal appearance was considered as an important factor in attracting a mate. Over the years, these ingredients and the ways of cosmetic manufacturing have changed considerably with new technological advancements.
There are a variety of ingredients that are used in cosmetic products today. Chemical as well as herbal, these ingredients range from oils, artificial colours, scents to essential natural acids.
A major cosmetic ingredient that is very popular with skin products is Salicylic Acid. Salicylic acid is a plant hormone which has tremendous uses in the cosmetic industry as well as the pharmaceutical industry.
Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help open clogged pores and clear up redness and swelling associated with acne. Hence, it is widely used in acne treating creams and face washes.
Unripe fruits and vegetables are natural sources of salicylic acid particularly blackberries, dates, kiwi, apricots, tomatoes, mushrooms etc., The salts and esters of this salicylic acid are called salicylates. These salicylates are also used in anti-dandruff shampoos, baby products, wipes, creams, oral care lotions, lipsticks, body wash etc.,
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