The Renaissance of Plant Magic: Return to the Sources of Cosmetic Care

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in natural cosmetics, a trend that goes far beyond a simple fashion trend. Consumers, increasingly informed, are looking for authentic products that respect their skin and the environment. At the heart of this movement is the fascinating rediscovery of the power of NATURE, originally based on the teachings of ancestors on the knowledge of plants and their medicinal virtues, on the power of plant magic stemming from traditions that have been passed down for centuries... This return to the roots is accompanied by a quest for meaning and a desire to reconnect beauty with nature, history, and a holistic approach to well-being.

Long relegated to the rank of folkloric practices, even superstitions, the ancestral knowledge of these traditional healers is today revisited and appreciated for their knowledge accumulated over the centuries. These men and women, who represent the collective memory, are often considered the chosen ones, like these "shamans" who possessed an intimate knowledge of plants and their virtues, developing natural remedies to treat ailments of the body and mind. This expertise, passed down from generation to generation, sometimes orally and secretly, is today proving to be a valuable source of inspiration for the cosmetics industry, in search of innovative and sustainable solutions.

Journey to the Heart of Ancestral Traditions: The Practices of Healers

Healers' practices varied greatly across cultures and regions of the world. However, certain constants emerged: careful observation of nature, a deep understanding of the properties of plants, and a holistic approach integrating body and mind. Healers did not simply treat symptoms; they sought to understand the root causes of ailments by considering the individual in their environment.

The use of plants and plant extracts from trees (bark, fruit, leaves, sap, buds, etc.) was at the heart of their practices. Each plant was considered a unique entity, possessing specific powers. The preparation of remedies was often accompanied by rituals and ceremonies, emphasizing the symbolic importance of the gesture. These rituals helped to strengthen the effectiveness of the remedy by acting on the physical and psychological level of the patient. Plant Magic, as the OMOYE skincare brand calls it to define the specificity of their natural and/or organic formulations, is not limited to the simple use of plants, but also encompasses a spiritual and energetic dimension. Doing good to your body and skin also means doing good to your mind, says the brand's shaman, hence a search for well-being and a "body and soul" approach to beauty that characterizes the brand. All treatments are derived from the ancestral recipe of a shaman from the land of Africa and formulated in France.

Secrets of the Healers: Plants and Well-being

Healers used plants and trees not only for their medicinal properties, but also for their benefits to the health and beauty of the skin; they knew the virtues of each tree and plant, their ability to soothe, moisturize, nourish, protect, or enhance the skin. This holistic approach, which considered beauty as a reflection of inner health, is at the heart of the philosophy of modern natural cosmetics.

• Uses of Vegetable Oils: Many vegetable oils, such as argan oil, rose oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, marula oil, and baobab oil (a miracle tree in Africa), among many others, were used long ago by healers for their moisturizing, regenerating, protective, nourishing, and soothing properties. Their use not only helped treat skin problems, but also beautify the skin and hair.
• The virtues of floral extracts: Flowers, rich in active compounds, were used to create infusions, lotions, hydrosols, and ointments, offering soothing, regenerating, toning, and revitalizing benefits for the skin and mood. Rose water, for example, was highly prized for its astringent and refreshing properties, and banana water for its hydrating and potassium-rich properties.
• The use of plants and vegetables: the active ingredients and natural ingredients used by shamans are generally extracted from several sources depending on the desired action: either leaves (e.g. aloe vera), fruits and seeds, bark and wood, sap, buds... the properties of each being different and can be combined in what is called "associated cosmetics". The natural cosmetic brand OMOYE thus combines plants and different plant extracts to create a plant magic where the active ingredients act in complementarity and synergy for greater adaptability to the skin and effectiveness.
• The Importance of Rituals: Healers placed great importance on the rituals and gestures associated with the application of care, considering that the process that appeals to the mind and spirit was as important as the ingredients themselves. These rituals were often associated with meditations, chants, or incantations, aimed at creating an atmosphere conducive to healing and harmony and to reinforce through mental visualization the desired effect on the skin, body, and mind. It is therefore important to choose the ritual that inspires you and that you need to benefit from the care most suited to your personality, for the body and mind!

Plant Science at the Service of Modern Beauty: A Responsible Approach

Today, cosmetic brands are drawing inspiration from this ancestral knowledge to create innovative and high-performance products. This ancestral knowledge is reflected in natural compositions, favoring raw and unprocessed ingredients, often from organic or even biodynamic farming. Emphasis is placed on the traceability of ingredients, respect for the environment and ethical principles. We are seeing a real renaissance of cosmetic craftsmanship, with brands favoring traditional formulations and processes that respect nature and beauty, but also skin health. They are going against the grain of classic cosmetics, which often offer very pleasant textures, but are silicone-based and contain other ingredients such as preservatives or highly controversial endocrine disruptors and few active ingredients in the formula.

However, it's important to exercise discernment and vigilance. The natural cosmetics market is booming, and some brands are riding the wave without guaranteeing the quality and authenticity of their products. It's crucial to research product ingredients, choose transparent and committed brands, and exercise discernment when faced with sometimes excessive marketing claims.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the growing popularity of natural cosmetics, challenges persist. Access to certain medicinal plants can be limited, particularly due to deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources. It is important to promote a sustainable and responsible approach, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and respect for the local populations involved in the production of ingredients. Scientific research also plays a key role in validating the properties of plants and ensuring the efficacy and safety of these new cosmetic products.

The future of natural cosmetics is bright. Growing consumer demand for authentic products that are kind to their skin and the environment is driving innovation and the development of new formulations. Collaboration between scientists, ethnobotanists, manufacturers, and consumers is essential to ensure the quality, effectiveness, and sustainability of this growing industry.

Conclusion: A Return to the Natural and the Authentic, a Commitment to the Future

The rise of natural cosmetics inspired by ancestral traditions is a significant phenomenon, reflecting a growing consumer awareness of health, well-being, and the environment. By reconnecting with the knowledge and wisdom of shamans and healers, this new cosmetics industry is paving the way for a new era of beauty—one that is authentic, respectful of nature, and committed to the future. It is everyone's responsibility to support sustainable initiatives and choose products that respect both people and the planet.