Cosmetic Toxicity & Its Management - An Ayurvedic Perspective

People in every civilization used cosmetics to protect and embellish their skin, which naturally leads us to conclude that this is a primordial need. The demand of cosmetic products have increased in recent times, resulting in massive production without following any standard guidelines. Many of them contain dangerous ingredients such as Hydroquinone, Talcum, Parabens, Phthalates, Fragrance, Heavy metals like Lead, Arsenic etc. Studies have shown that about 50% skin fairness face creams available in India contain steroids. Due to long term use, it accumulates in the body and can cause irritation, increased susceptibility to infections, Kidney and Liver damage, Reproductive toxicity and Carcinogenicity. In Ayurveda, the concept of Gara Visha can be well incorporate with Cosmetic toxicity. Acarya Susruta mentions about various Gara Visha Adhishtanas and its different manifestations. The widespread use of cosmetic products is increasingly recognized as a public health and social justice issue due to the deleterious health side effects and the potential reinforcement of racial and social inequalities. So this article review the concepts of Cosmetic toxicity in Ayurveda, their prevention and management