Formulating Ayurvedic

By: Emily Keats, Editorial Intern, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: August 29, 2008, from the September 2008 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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On the contrary, the vata type exhibits a slender frame with naturally dry, delicate skin. To treat dry hair and skin in this body type, a serum made from pungent and sweet herbs such as sesame oil and saffron is recommended.

According to Boba, while the kapha and vata are opposite one another, the pitta type falls in the middle, exhibited by a medium physique. If this body type experiences sensitive skin, a facial mist of rosewater infused with jasmine or lavender is suggested.

Targeted to this unique market segment, the Kama Ayurveda line is formulated to apply to all three dosha types. “It’s like a one-size-fits-all concept,” said Boba, who added this approach is in contrast to single, dosha-specific products.

As Boba explained, the skin is the body’s largest organ and it acts as a delivery system for any herbs or oils applied to it. “If you can’t put it in your body, you shouldn’t put it on your body. Just because a product is applied to the skin doesn’t mean it’s only working externally—it’s affecting the entire body, inside and out,” said Boba, expressing a fundamental ayurvedic belief.

Nature’s Spice Rack
According to Boba, several ayurvedic ingredients that are indigenous to India include: sesame, neem and coconut oil, rose, fennel, fenugreek, saffron, oat, cardamom, costus, winter cherry, vetiver, neem, licorice, cinnamon, sandalwood, wheat and oatmeal. Neem bark, for example, is commonly ground and used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Licorice is used for its reported antimicrobial properties.