Underutilized Tropical Herbs in Cosmeceuticals

    February 2026
    Aishat H. Garuba, Abdulhammed K. Hamzat, Olubunmi ATOLANİ
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    TLDR Tropical herbs have potential for cosmetics but need more research and standardization.
    Tropical herbs, rich in bioactive phytochemicals like flavonoids and terpenoids, offer significant cosmeceutical potential due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds support hair growth, skin lightening, and other cosmetic benefits through mechanisms such as free radical scavenging and collagen stabilization. While evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials demonstrates their efficacy in areas like wound healing and acne reduction, most tropical herbs lack standardized formulations and large-scale validation. Systematic exploration and commercialization could drive innovation and sustainable development in the cosmeceutical industry.
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