From neem to kumkumadi: How Ayurveda is changing the way we do skincare
VaidyaMitra Team
02-11-2026For many years, skincare was recognised as a competition to find the next best ingredient, like retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. However, amidst the elaborate skincare routines and long ingredient lists, beauty has started looking backwards. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian form of traditional medicine, has made its way back into our beauty regimen, not as an opposing philosophy to modern science but rather as a source of ingredients, practices, and slower self-care routines. This change can be seen in India’s beauty industry, where Ayurvedic and heritage-based brands have moved to the premium skincare market.
So, what is the contribution of Ayurveda to modern skincare practices? It Puts Ingredients in Focus: One of the most important impacts of Ayurveda on the beauty industry is its focus on ingredients. Turmeric, neem, sandalwood, aloe vera, amla, saffron, and sesame oil have always been used in ancient Indian practices. At present, a number of the ingredients have found their way into the production of cleansers, masks, serums, facial oils, and moisturisers. It's easy to see why people are becoming more interested in what they apply to their skin rather than just buying the advertised product. Neem is undergoing a contemporary transformation Another Ayurvedic ingredient being used in present-day skincare products is neem. Throughout history, neem has been important in many Indian beliefs and is known to have many bioactive compounds. The reason neem is such an interesting ingredient for scientists is that it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, modernity in skincare is changing everything. Instead of simply grinding neem leaves and making a cream at home, contemporary products can be made using standardised extracts, controlled amounts, and carefully selected additional ingredients. Consumers are getting something that traditional home skincare lacks consistency.
Facial oils are making an impressive comeback One of the most prominent Ayurvedic influences on the modern beauty world is the return of oil for face application. The modern consumer, who would avoid anything oily at all costs, is now becoming open to the idea of using facial oils in a routine lifestyle and skincare. Ayurveda has been proving the significance of oil in such practices as abhyanga or massage with oil. While abhyanga is not the same as applying face oil, it has been affecting the use of such oil in skincare. 'Kumkumadi' is quickly becoming a modern beauty term Kumkumadi Tailam is one of the few Ayurvedic beauty products to become popular today. Traditionally described as a multi-ingredient oil product, Kumkumadi has become a familiar name in India’s premium beauty market, especially among consumers looking for facial oils and traditional products. The appeal of Kumkumadi is due partly to the story: saffron, herbs, and oils brought together in one product, which connects contemporary skincare with ancient Indian skin traditions. At the same time, statements that Kumkumadi can universally “remove pigmentation", “reverse ageing", or make skin perfect overnight should be taken with reservations. For better understanding, we approached Mr Hari Ram Rinwa, founder of Ashpveda, who said, “Ayurveda is revolutionising the world of skincare with its unique blend of traditional herbal ingredients and modern-day health requirements. Modern consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to use natural, plant-derived beauty products that will help nourish their skin without any harmful chemicals.” He further stated, “Traditional Ayurvedic preparations take into account the balancing of the dosha of the individual, which not only helps treat skin issues but also provides a long-term solution. With ingredients such as turmeric and aloe vera, among others, Ayurveda is becoming increasingly relevant today.” Parting thoughts However, the future of Ayurveda in skincare should not be about claiming that centuries-old wisdom has solved all possible skin issues. The greatest potential of Ayurveda is in combining traditional knowledge with modern formulations, safety tests and dermatological studies. The future of Indian beauty may lie in the coexistence of Ayurvedic and scientific solutions.