These Beauty Products Boast Major Ayurvedic Benefits

Ayurveda is an ancient practice derived from the notion that our mind, body, and spirit are all connected as one. And while many of the rituals are still practiced in a traditional sense, the essence of Ayurveda has become more mainstream through popular beauty and wellness trends. Coupled with a growing demand for self-care focused products, Ayurvedic beauty is a trend worth trying.

The beauty of Ayurveda’s influence on skincare is that you don’t have to make your own healing remedies to reap the benefits of its medicinal herbs and practices. Instead, you can achieve them through good ol’ mainstream products.

Click through for our favorite beauty products enriched with the herbs and inspired by the rituals of Ayurvedic medicine.

Kora Organics Brightening & Exfoliating Mask ($48): Rev up your beauty regimen with this rejuvenating face mask. The at-home treatment is made with turmeric, peppermint, papaya enzymes, rosehip seeds, and aspen bark to slough off dry skin buildup, improve texture, brighten the skin’s natural tone, and combat acne-causing ailments such as clogged pores.

Ayurvedic Highlight: Turmeric Turmeric is more than a trendy herb used in beauty and wellness — it’s an Ayurvedic superstar. “Turmeric is an antioxidant powerhouse that has a plethora of benefits for the skin,” notes Shadoh Punnapuzha, founder of the Ayurvedic skincare line Taïla Skincare. “It is antibacterial, prevents and heals breakouts, improves the signs of aging, and brightens the skin."

Girl Undiscovered Stars Aligning Crystals ($29): There’s a reason estheticians and dermatologists swear by facial massaging. Not only does it feel amazing, but it also does magical things for your skin. Using these crystals to give yourself an at-home facial massage can promote glowing skin, better product absorption, and deliver a burst of energy. Thanks to an Ayurvedic method — and common skincare practice — known as lymphatic drainage, the massaging crystals help rid the complexion of toxins and other aggressors that get in the way of a radiant complexion.

Ayurvedic Highlight: Lymphatic Drainage “The lymphatic system is a [process] within our body that allows our organs to drain toxins and waste,” says Alissia Zenhausern, a board-certified naturopathic physician in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Sometimes with lack of movement or stagnation, the lymph system can become clogged,” she explains. With that in mind, Zenhausern says lymphatic massaging is “a simple but powerful tool to help move lymph through the body.” And, with regular practice, your skin can better eliminate unwanted waste and toxins. As a result, it appears healthier, and sort of like you slapped on your favorite highlighter (only, you didn’t).

Meow Meow Tweet Face Mask ($28): This mask in particular is enhanced with chickpea flour, aloe vera, pink clay, and organic pumpkin for a spa-worthy deep clean. The combination of chickpea flour and pink clay enhances blood and lymph circulation (AKA, drainage) too.

Ayurvedic Highlight: Chickpea Flour According to Punnapuzha, chickpea flour is a must in the daily Ayurvedic ritual and can be used to “wash the face and massage the body before a bath,” she notes. On top of that, it exfoliates, stimulates the lymphatic system, and can even treat breakouts.

Envy Medical Dermal Balance ($60): This skin-balancing elixir made with lavender, peptides, and the brand’s patented antioxidant technology can soothe skin, enhance renewal, hydrate, and protect against environmental aggressors.

Ayurvedic Highlight: Lavender The beauty and medicinal benefits of lavender are seemingly endless, which is why it's considered a must in herbal practices. “Lavender has been known to boost circulation and oxygen to the skin,” notes Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “The conditioning properties of lavender oil help to condition the skin, ultimately providing calming and hydrating benefits that improve the appearance of new or old scars,” she adds. On top of that, Engelman says lavender’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties can promote speedy healing too.

Omorovicza Copper Peel ($160): While it might not be your first choice — or the most well-known — copper makes for one hard-working skincare ingredient. And this at-home peel is an excellent source for it. The treatment combines a blue copper paste and lactic acid activator that work in tandem to rejuvenate the complexion, reduce the look of large pores, and improve the complexion’s overall texture and tone.

Ayurvedic Highlight: Copper In Ayurvedic practices, Punnapuzha says copper is mostly used in conjunction with water. “When water is stored in a copper vessel, it [can] naturally ionize the water,” she explains. As a result, the water turns alkaline which can help balance the body’s pH levels, protect against harmful bacteria, boost the immune system, and even infuse the body with antioxidants.

When it comes to skin, “copper plays a key role in the synthesis of proteins within the skin,” says Carly Roman, a board-certified dermatologist at Modern Dermatology in Seattle, Washington. It can also help do away with oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging. “Copper peptides added to skin [treatments] help the process of rebuilding new collagen and elastin into the skin,” notes Jason Emer, a cosmetic dermatologist in Beverly Hills.

EmerginC Lighten-Up Under Eye Circle Fighter ($67): Between work and our social lives, tired-looking eyes are hard to avoid. However, all it takes is a little herbal magic via this potent eye cream. Formulated with Ayurvedic ingredients like licorice root, aloe, and other active botanicals, the dark circle fighter is powerful enough to brighten the skin around the eyes, yet gentle enough to use on sensitive skin types.

Ayurvedic Highlight: Licorice Root As an Ayurvedic ingredient, licorice root comes with a host of medicinal uses. However, its skincare benefits are just as impactful. Because of its antioxidant makeup, licorice root is a shining ingredient in most skincare products, as it helps brighten the skin and alleviate signs of sun damage and hyperpigmentation, including dark circles.

Taïla MUHKA Botanical Cleanser ($58): The herbal cleanser is enriched with turmeric and other Ayurvedic ingredients to lift away stubborn impurities while keeping acne-causing bacteria at bay. Not to mention: It leaves behind a natural-looking glow.

Ayurvedic Highlight: TurmericThere’s a reason some skin cleansers are formulated with turmeric. “Curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric, is an amazing herb used for its anti-inflammatory [and] antioxidant properties,” says Zenhausern. "It can improve skin textures, as well as reduce active inflammatory acne [and] reduce acne scars,” she adds.

PureHeals Pore Clear Black Charcoal Peel-Off Pack ($26): Charcoal formulas know a thing or two about deep cleaning. And, this face mask is no different. In addition to the cleanser, the peel-off mask is enriched with red reishi, coffee, and other botanicals that work together to get rid of imperfections — including stubborn blackheads — and promote a more revitalized, youthful-looking tone.

Ayurvedic Highlight: Red Reishi Reishi mushrooms are the epitome of herbal medicine. And, when it comes to skincare, their benefits are endless. One of the most impressive things about this Ayurvedic herb? It can defend the skin against premature signs of aging. Thanks to properties that help boost the immune system and blood circulation, the mushroom can better protect the skin against wrinkle-causing free radicals and improve the skin’s elasticity.