Ayurvedic Ingredients Glossary
Dating back over 5,000 years in ancient India, Ayurveda is a holistic and natural system of healing, which incorporates lifestyle practices and plant-based remedies into treating and preventing skin and health concerns. Based on your unique dosha composition, Ayurveda recommends different plants and herbs to help keep your mind, body, and spirit in balance.
At Bombay Beauty Co, all our products are eco-conscious, plant-based, and made from 100% natural Ayurvedic ingredients. Read on for a full glossary of ingredients and their unique benefits to you!
Almonds
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Native to the Middle East, almonds have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of skin concerns. Whether you’re dealing with dry, flakey skin, excess sebum production, or acne, almonds are rich in emollient properties, making it an effective remedy to prevent the loss of natural moisture, unclog pores, and get rid of stubborn impurities. Its ability to be easily absorbed by the skin makes it an effective moisturizer, while still being light and not too greasy. Effective for all doshas, try our No. 01 - Purify - Milk Cleanser, No. 06 - Glow - Facial Oil Serum, and No. 07 - Protect - Facial Lotion!
Aloe Vera
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Directly translated as “youthful beauty” in Sanskrit, aloe vera is full of vitamins, minerals, and antibacterial properties commonly used to soothe and treat a wide range of skin sensitivities, including breakouts, sunburns, insect bites, and allergic reactions. A naturally cooling herb, aloe vera moisturizers, nourishes, and regenerates skin tissue, while helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In addition to its skin benefits, aloe vera is said to be a natural remedy for digestive issues, menstrual pain, and stress reduction. Try our hydrating aloe-based facial gels, No. 05 - Hydrate - Facial Gel or No. 05 - Soothe - Facial Gel.
Apple Cider Vinegar
IDEAL FOR: VATA
Made from fermented apples, apple cider vinegar is most commonly used to tame digestive issues caused by excess Vata. To go in detail, vinegar promotes the flow of bile, which is a fluid released by the liver that helps break down fats into fatty acids and helps metabolize excess cholesterol. When applied externally to the skin, apple cider vinegar is said to soften the skin and cleanse your pores, making it particularly ideal for Vata skin types. Try our bestselling No. 04 - Refresh - Facial Toner!
Avocado
IDEAL FOR: VATA, PITTA
One of this decade’s “superfoods”, avocado has actually been used by Ayurvedic healers for thousands of years to treat a variety of skin concerns. The natural oils and nutrient-rich properties of avocado make it particularly effective at balancing excess Vata and Pitta, due to its ability to quickly absorb deep into the skin. A natural moisturizer, avocado oil helps to soften and hydrate dry patches, while protecting the skin from further dehydration. Try our No. 07 - Protect - Facial Lotion!
Calendula
IDEAL FOR: PITTA, KAPHA
Commonly known as marigold, calendula is full of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly beneficial for dry or damaged skin. Used to care for skin sensitivities, such as rashes, sunburns, and acne, calendula promotes healing and the regeneration of new skin cells, while keeping your skin soft and hydrated. Full of vitamins A & E, calendula has a gentle cooling effect, making it particularly effective for Kapha and Pitta skin types. Find it in our No. 01 - Clarify - Gel Cleanser, No. 01 - Purify - Milk Cleanser, and No. 07 - Nourish - Face Balm!
Carrot Tissue Extract
IDEAL FOR: PITTA
Rich in vitamins and minerals, carrots are full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help skin heal and recover faster from a variety of skin sensitivities, including acne, sunburns, and eczema. Due to its incredible ability to pacify Pitta, applying carrot tissue extract externally has a cooling effect on the skin, and may help even out skin tone and texture to restore your skin’s natural brilliance. Try it in our No. 01 - Protect - Milk Cleanser and No. 06 - Glow - Facial Oil Serum!
Chamomile
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Dried and infused in traditional Ayurvedic teas, chamomile is commonly used to ease feelings of fear and anxiety, relax the mind, and relieve insomnia. Warm, light, and aromatic, find chamomile in our Rose + Tulsi Beauty Tea!
Cucumber
IDEAL FOR: PITTA
A traditional Ayurvedic ingredient that’s been used for generations, cucumber has long been a naturally cooling and rejuvenating skin care remedy, commonly used to treat acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Gentle and soothing, cucumber is particularly effective at pacifying excess Pitta, helping reduce redness, puffiness, and inflammation that may arise due to skin sensitivities. When paired with aloe vera or rose, cucumber is known to soften skin and reduce dark spots. Try our No. 05 - Hydrate - Facial Gel!
Ginger
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Often considered a “cure-all” remedy, ginger is a restorative and cleansing spice that can be used to treat a multitude of health concerns, from sore throat and cough to nausea and congestion. With powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is particularly known to enhance digestion, helping to stimulate the appetite, transport nutrients through the body, and improve circulation. Try it in our Turmeric Beauty Tea!
Green Tea
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Originating in East Asia from Camellia Sinensis leaves, green tea is enriched with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help protect against sun damage, improve water retention in the skin, and treat acne. With endless skin benefits, green tea is effective at pacifying all doshas – boosting skin hydration and maintaining collagen levels for Vata skin; reducing sebum production and controlling excess oils in Kapha; and improving skin barrier functions and treating dark circles in Pitta. Find green tea in our No. 01 – Clarify - Gel Cleanser!
Hemp Seed Oil
IDEAL FOR: VATA, PITTA
Rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, hemp seed oil has been used extensively in Ayurvedic skincare for thousands of years. With powerful restorative properties that help protect the skin, increase elasticity, and prevent signs of aging, hemp seed oil is ideal for dry Vata or sensitive Pitta skin. Try our No. 07 - Nourish - Face Balm or No. 07 - Protect - Facial Lotion!
Jojoba Oil
IDEAL FOR: VATA, KAPHA
Native to the dry, desert regions of North America, jojoba oil is rich in vitamins and minerals and works well to treat acne, wrinkles, and dehydration. Particularly effective for Vata and Kapha skin, jojoba oil gently balances and moisturizes the skin, while purifying the skin of impurities and excess sebum. Try our No. 01 - Purify - Milk Cleanser or No. 06 - Glow - Facial Oil Serum!
Kokum Butter
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Rich in antioxidants, kokum butter is full of regenerative properties that make it ideal for treating dry, dehydrated skin, preventing fine lines and wrinkles, and healing damaged skin. Deeply moisturizing, kokum butter works well to soften the skin and restore its elasticity, while its light, non-greasy texture keeps pores clear to reduce acne. Find it in our No. 07 - Nourish - Face Balm!
Lavender
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
An aromatic favourite, lavender is a naturally soothing flower with tri-doshic properties and endless benefits for all skin types. When used topically, lavender essential oil is known to reduce acne, soothe dry skin, treat skin sensitivities, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender also helps protect the skin from impurities, leaving you with brighter and more radiant skin. Try our No. 01 - Clarify - Gel Cleanser or No. 05 - Soothe - Facial Gel!
Lemongrass
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Commonly used to keep all doshas at bay, lemongrass is an aromatic and astringent herb widely used in Ayurveda to treat skin and health concerns. Lemongrass can be used to alleviate symptoms of all three dosha imbalances – its antiseptic and astringent properties effectively manage oily, kapha skin; its cooling and antibiotic properties soothes pitta heat and treats acne and rashes; while its aromatic nature aids in stress relief, fatigue and anxiety that may be caused by excess vata. Try it in our Turmeric Beauty Tea!
Licorice
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Used for thousands of years, licorice root is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of herbal remedies, from teas to topical gels. With anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, licorice can be used to balance symptoms of all three doshas – helping to soothe dry throats, counter digestive issues, and promote feelings of calm and tranquility. Try our Licorice Skin Tea!
Neem
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Native to India, neem is a tri-doshic herb that is commonly used by Ayurvedic healers to treat a variety of skin and health concerns. Neem is rich in nutrients and known to boost collagen production, treat acne, nourish dry, dehydrated skin, and soothe skin irritations.
Oats
IDEAL FOR: VATA, PITTA
Soft and gentle on the skin, oats work well as an exfoliator, helping to remove and slough off dead skin cells and allow for the formation of a new layer of skin cells. With both naturally hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, oats help to regulate oil production, reduce dryness, and soothe acne and skin sensitivities, making it ideal for vata and pitta type skin. Find it in our No. 01 - Clarify - Gel Cleanser, No. 02 - Exfoliate - Ubtan Microfoliant, and No. 04 - Refresh - Facial Toner!
Rose
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Used by Ayurvedic healers for thousands of years, rose is full of tri-doshic properties that make it an effective remedy for all doshas and skin types. Pure rosewater and rose essential oils are used to balance out skin tone, relieve dry skin, reduce inflammation, and control excess oil and sebum production. Find rose in our No. 03 - White Clay Face Mask, No. 04 - Refresh - Facial Toner, No. 05 - Hydrate - Facial Gel, No. 06 - Glow - Oil Serum, and Rose + Tulsi Beauty Tea!
Rosehip Seed Oil
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Found just below the rose petals, rosehips are full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids that are vital to achieving healthy, youthful, and glowing skin. When applied externally to the skin, rosehip seed oil effectively rehydrates and deeply nourishes dry, flakey skin, locks in moisture, and prevents signs of aging. Full of tridoshic properties, try it in our No. 06 - Glow - Facial Oil Serum!
Sandalwood
IDEAL FOR: VATA
Native to Southern India and Southeast Asia, sandalwood essential oil is derived from the bark of the sandalwood tree, and is traditionally used in a multitude of skin remedies. Especially effective at balancing Vata, this traditional Ayurvedic herb gently nourishes the skin, while absorbing excess oil and sebum from skin. Try our No. 02 - Exfoliate - Ubtan Microfoliant!
Shea Butter
IDEAL FOR: VATA, PITTA
Extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, shea butter is rich in vitamins A, E, and C, and is particularly cherished during cold and dry winter months. A great source of moisture for the skin, shea butter has nourishing properties that gently heal extreme dryness and soothe skin sensitivities, leaving you with more radiant, youthful skin. Ideal for dry Vata and sensitive Pitta skin, find it in our No. 07 - Nourish - Face Balm.
Sunflower Oil
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Native to South America, sunflower oil is regarded as a neutral ingredient that is neither heating or cooling, making it ideal for all doshas. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, sunflower oil is most often used to soothe skin sensitivities, like acne, eczema, inflammation, redness, and irritation. Try it in our No. 01 - Purify - Milk Cleanser, No. 06 - Glow - Facial Oil Serum, and No. 07 - Nourish - Face Balm!
Tea Tree
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Native to Australia, tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree plant, and has long been used in a variety of cosmetic remedies. Due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is an effective treatment for many skin sensitivities, including acne, psoriasis, and skin irritations. Designed for all doshas, try it in our No. 05 - Soothe - Facial Gel!
Tulsi
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
Widely used in Ayurvedic teas and remedies, tulsi is an Indian herb highly cultivated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anxiety-relieving properties. When consumed, tulsi can be used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory illness, while also combating symptoms of vomiting, nausea, and digestive concerns. For skin, tulsi effectively clears and purifies the skin from acne and blemishes, leaving a smooth and balanced skin tone. Find it in our Rose + Tulsi Beauty Tea!
Turmeric
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
A major part of Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is revered for its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties. Especially effective at pacifying Kapha, but great for all doshas, turmeric protects the skin from free radical damage, while also balancing pigmentation and skin tone, reducing acne, and leaving your skin feeling beautifully soft and smooth. Try our Turmeric Beauty Tea!
White Kaolin Clay
IDEAL FOR: ALL DOSHAS
For centuries, white kaolin clay was used in ancient China to create porcelain products. As the most gentle clay, kaolin is also commonly used in a variety of skin remedies, like face masks and exfoliators. Due to its ability to absorb excess oil and sebum, kaolin effectively draws out impurities and toxins from pores and treats acne and blemishes. Try out No. 02 - Exfoliate - Ubtan Microfoliant and No. 03 - White Clay Face Mask!
Witch Hazel
IDEAL FOR: PITTA, KAPHA
Used as a natural topical remedy, witch hazel extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and restorative properties and used to soothe sensitive skin. Particularly used to pacify Pitta and Kapha, witch hazel extract works well to reduce skin irritation, treat acne, and protect against skin damage. Try it in our No. 01 - Clarify - Gel Cleanser, No. 04 - Refresh - Facial Toner, and No. 05 - Soothe - Facial Gel!