In the modern age, the dependency on chemical cosmetics is a bitter pill which we have to accept. India is one of the largest markets for cosmetics. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% over the next five years, according to Euromonitor International.
In fact, the cosmetics industry in India is expected to show strong signs of expansion during the next five years. The market size is expected to reach $1 billion by 2024.
The reason for this wild growth is essentially the erroneous beauty standards we have set. The desperation for fair and glowing skin, inability to accept the human body as it is, misleading advertisements, peer pressure all of this contributes to the cosmetics craze today. We absolutely ignore its impact on the environment, other living species etc. If we just hold on for a moment and think about our grandparents who did nothing exclusive, but still had beautiful skin, good health and lived a long healthy life. All they did was eat home cooked meals and use household ingredients instead of imposing chemicals on their faces and body. Today, we are okay with dumping our bodies with processed and imbalanced food, but want our skin to look flawless. We forget that our skin is a reflection of our health. If your bowels are not clean, it will show on your skin in the form of acne. If your water consumption is less, it will impact your hair growth. We just tend to miss these basics. I am going to list down 10 household ingredients which can be a perfect replacement for the expensive cosmetics in your dressing room.
- Ground Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils) and Rosewater paste can be an excellent exfoliator. It will help eradicate dead skin and will give you a smooth and clean skin. Rosewater made at home by soaking indian rose petals in warm water will not only hydrate the skin but also tone it up.
- Chana Dal Flour (Besan) mixed with some fresh malai (Cream) can be used as a body or face cleanser. You can add some essential oil to it which will moisturize the skin and also give it a soothing fragrance.
- Saffron soaked in warm water can be refrigerated and stored in small bottles. This can be used as a face toner. You can easily carry these small bottles in your vanity and use it as a facial mist, whenever the skin feels tired.
- Onion and Curry Leaves infused in Coconut Oil is an excellent hair growth potion. Onion promotes hair growth, while curry leaves will prevent graying of hair. Massaging your hair with this warm oil in the night can also induce good sleep.
- Fresh Aloe Vera Gel and Curd can be used as a hair mask. This will restore the moisture in your hair and ensure that they become frizz free and silk smooth.
- Turmeric Powder and Rosewater can be mixed to form a medium thick paste which can be applied on your face as a face mask. Turmeric has antiseptic qualities and hence extremely beneficial for acne or uneven skin tone.
- Beat an egg and apply it on your hair (only if you can tolerate the smell) and leave it for 30 minutes before you give it a wash. Egg is a smoothening agent and can add volume to thin, dried hair.
- If you are fond of blushy cheeks, Dried Beetroot Powder is a boon. You can either sun dry or dehydrate beetroot sliced. Crush it in a grinder. Store this is a little air tight box and use it as a blush for as long as it lasts. If you don’t intend to store the powder and need an immediate blush effect, you can also run a wet beetroot onto your cheeks. It’s quick and it is amazing.
- Potato and Cucumber Juice is a blessing for uneven skin tone. Just cleanse your face, tap it dry and apply a thin layer of potato and cucumber juice over your face. Leave it for 30 mins and wash without soap. Repeat two times a week and see the magic unfold.
- The best shampoo one could ask for is Indian Soapberry. It is recommended to use the fruit instead of the powder you get in shops today. Boil the soapberry in water, let it cool down, cush it with your hands and use it as a shampoo. Just be careful the soapberry water does not get into your eyes. It can ruin your day. You can also add Neem Leaves, Shikekai or Bhringraj to this shampoo. If you get comfortable with the little hard work here, Indian Soap Berry can be miraculous for your hair.
I have enlisted just 10 amazing ingredients from your kitchen which can do wonders to your skin and hair. It will not only help you save a LOT of money, but will also do a favor on the environment. The planet also belongs to other creatures. It belongs to the animals in the jungle, it belongs to the birds, it belongs to the fishes as much as it belongs to humans. We cannot just snatch their right to co-exist, just for the sake of fashion. As global citizens, it is time we make responsible choices and take our small little step towards sustainability.
