Damien Fry/Khadija Horton
Let’s start with what Ayurveda is not. Despite what your feed may tell you, it’s not a trend, it’s not a fad, and it’s definitely not a novel idea. What it really is: An ancient science, specifically the science of life (in Sanskrit, “ayur” means life or vital power and “veda” means science or knowledge), which has been studied and practiced in Indian culture for millennia. “Ayurveda is a holistic way of looking at life that is now more widely recognized and practiced in the Western world, especially in the beauty space,” says dermatologist Kiran Mian, DO.
Damian Fry
Some basic principles of Ayurveda: Your outer beauty is a mirror of what’s going on inside, encouraging you to look deeper and treat a problem like an outbreak or rash not just on the surface but also at the root, where it triggers like seasonal changes, diet, or just the constant stress of today’s world can create imbalances in your system. “When someone comes to me with acne, I give them a prescription, but I also help adjust their daily habits to help reduce inflammation,” says Dr. Mian.
But you don’t have to go to a derm to get an Ayurvedic scan: Sephora’s coolest new brands (like Ranavat and Fable & Mane) are based on its holistic principles, and traditional Ayurvedic herbs and plant-derived ingredients like turmeric , bakuchiol, gotu kola, rosewater and ashwagandha are becoming mainstays. In just a few years, the Ayurvedic beauty market is expected to be valued at a whopping $14.9 billion.
Damian Fry
“I think Ayurvedic beauty is becoming more mainstream in Western culture because in these times of global health crisis, we are starting to go back to nature for health, healing and beauty,” says Ananta Ripa Ajmera, an instructor at Ayurvedic Beauty. yoga and spiritual teacher. and Ayurveda consultant at The Well, a wellness retreat in New York. Wellness-focused beauty has been a thing for years, of course, but the cultural component hasn’t been talked about as much, says Michelle Ranavat, founder and CEO of Ranavat. “Now the two things are coming together, you’re really getting the full picture.”
How is this reflected in your products? Balance. Turmeric, for example, is now combined with retinol in topical medications to help lessen retinol’s potentially irritating side effects. For those experiencing hair loss or thinning hair, Dr. Mian encourages patients to combine daily Rogaine with a weekly or biweekly hair oil, an important Ayurvedic practice that involves massaging the scalp and strands with a nourishing oil. . “Rogaine’s main ingredient, minoxidil, works to dilate blood vessels and stimulate blood flow to the scalp, and that’s essentially what lubricating hair with massage does,” says Dr. Mian.
Damian Fry
All of the experts Cosmo spoke with for this article said they want to share Ayurveda with the world. The brands on these pages make it possible. Each one is inspired by different Ayurvedic philosophies and practices and can help with everything from acne to split ends. “I always try to make it clear: Ayurveda is not just for Indians or people who grew up practicing it,” says Ranavat. “It’s the same with these beauty secrets and products: they’re meant for everyone.” Start your Ayurveda beauty journey by shopping for some of our favorite products, below.
This hair oil duo
Mauli Grow Strong Hair Oil and Detangling Neem Comb
Work the oil into your scalp in sections, giving your head a good massage as you go, and then comb through to the ends with the neem comb.
This shine-enhancing spray
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hibiscus Moisturizing Hair Oil Mist
Shake and spray this oil-based mist on dry hair for instant smoothness and UV protection.
This soothing body oil
Nao Ayurveda Pitta Refreshing Body Oil
Infused with plant extracts and oils, this refreshing treatment is perfect for balancing skin in hot weather or the summer season.
This soothing bath oil
Uma Oils Pure Calm Wellness Bath Oil
Pour it into your bathtub or rub it on your body and let the essential oil blend of sandalwood, jasmine and chamomile help you relax.
This nourishing serum
Avya Hydroveda Serum
Mung Lentil Seed Extract (rich in Vitamin B5) and Niacinamide come together in this serum to help skin stay hydrated and improve barrier function.
This gentle cleanser
Sahajan Golden Milk Cleanser
Rich in brightening turmeric and purifying black cumin seed oil, this milky face wash leaves skin soft and glowing.
This purifying clay mask
Sonage Tulsi Soothing Tri Clay Mask
A trio of Ayurvedic herbs in this clay mask help calm inflammation and reduce excess oil.
This smoothing cream mask
Prakti MahaMask Pampering Moisturizing Treatment
Inspired by handmade Indian skincare treatments, this mask plumps and nourishes with turmeric butter and argan oil.
This facial massage wand
Ranavat Kansa Wand Detoxifying Facial Massage Tool
The tip of this wand is made from kansa, a mixture of copper and tin metals that is prized for its ability to help soothe and deflate the skin.
This brightening facial oil
Aavrani Vitamin C Firming Treatment
Amla oil (the hero of this oil) has been a staple in Ayurvedic beauty for centuries thanks to its high concentration of vitamin C.
This overnight treatment
Forest Essentials Soundarya Advanced Age Defying Serum
Ghee butter and sesame oil along with firming colloidal gold and brightening licorice root extract in this serum help hydrate skin and minimize signs of aging while you sleep.
This volumizing face cream
Pratima Amla Collagen Cream
$49.00
Dry skin types will love this ultra-hydrating cream. Inside the jar: A blend of organic amla, ashwagandha, and rose, all of which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nourishing properties.