How Ayurveda has added 'prana' to beauty industry in India

Time of India

4 days ago

India is experiencing a resurgence of natural beauty practices, driven by a growing awareness of health and sustainability. Consumers are increasingly turning to Ayurvedic principles and plant-based products, rediscovering the wisdom of traditional ingredients like turmeric and neem. This shift, fueled by influential figures and a desire for holistic well-being, represents a cultural movement towards simplicity and environmental consciousness.
In recent years, India has witnessed a significant shift in its beauty and wellness preferences, from chemical-laden products to natural, Ayurvedic alternatives. This change is more than a trend; it is a return to roots, inspired by age-old traditions and guided by modern awareness of health and sustainability.
As consumers grow more conscious about what they apply on their skin and hair, natural beauty has taken centre stage, and products that align with simplicity and purity, like those based on Patanjali's daily-use principles, have become household staples.
Rediscovering Ayurveda in daily life
Image: Canva
The ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda values balance, nature and inner health to a very great degree. Scores of Indian households are coming back to these values, consciously or subconsciously, and replacing chemical shampoos with plant-based ones, face wash choosing plant-based, and adopting toothpastes that do not have artificial frills.
Not only about the beauty, but about the lifestyle that establishes the foundation of well-being on all levels. This heightened affinity to holistic living is evidenced by the increasing popularity of herbal soaps, multani mitti face packs, neem based constituents of skincare and aloe vera gels. They are not fancy extras, they are everyday ones, made by people every day in their millions, available, affordable, and trusted.
The Influence of thought leaders
Wellness campaigners and spiritual gurus such as Baba Ramdev have been doing their bit to bring about this natural awakening. The sound of his ideas ring out in the work of the people who now get closer to nature and decide to use 100 percent natural beauty products or to maintain a green lifestyle: After all, nature is here to speak with, not against. His school of thought encourages people to seek peace in day-to-day life by making informed decisions and it is especially compelling in the contemporary over-stimulated and over-productive culture.
A movement, not a market
Image: Canva
Although natural products became accessible through such brands as Patanjali, the revolution does not only take place in the market. It is in essence a cultural movement. Both the urban and the rural consumers are taking on the shift to sustainability, zero-waste packaging and ingredient transparency. The kitchen and garden in Indian homes are transformed into beauty labs once more as we use haldi (turmeric), tulsi, amla, besan (gram flour) and coconut oil, which have once again become part of our self-care products.
Testimony: A voice from the new generation
Ankita Kumari, 22, Jharkhand, shares:
"I used to struggle with hair fall and oily skin, and nothing really worked, until I switched to a simpler routine with herbal products. Now I use an aloe vera gel and a basic neem face wash, and my skin feels so much better. My nani always told me to trust nature. I didn't listen then, but now I understand why she was right.'
Darshana Maurya, 21, Indore, adds:
"I was overwhelmed with the choices in the skincare aisle until I decided to go back to basics. Multani mitti, rose water, and a little coconut oil, that's all I use now. My skin has cleared up, and I feel more connected to my roots than ever before. It's not just about beauty anymore, it's about being in harmony with nature.'
In embracing natural beauty, India is not adopting a new path, it's returning to one that was always there, patiently waiting beneath layers of modernity. And in that return lies not only beauty, but also wisdom.