Abstract
Background: Growing consumer interest in natural and plant-based cosmetics has renewed scientific attention to traditional phytocosmetic practices. Owing to their diverse bioactive constituents, plants are widely used in skin, hair, and personal care formulations. However, the increasing popularity of these products also raises important questions regarding their safety, efficacy, and standardization. In this context, the present study aimed to document the plant species traditionally used in cosmetic preparations in Oran, Algeria, and to describe their reported applications, methods of preparation, and perceived effects. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 201 students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oran. Data were collected over a five-month period using a structured questionnaire administered in Arabic and French. Information was obtained on socio-demographic characteristics, plant species used for cosmetic purposes, plant parts employed, preparation methods, frequency of use, perceived effectiveness, and adverse effects. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including citation frequency, relative frequency of citation, and use value, were calculated. Results: The survey identified 61 plant species belonging to 36 botanical families and documented 108 phytocosmetic formulations. The most frequently cited species were Olea europaea L., Cocos nucifera L., Coffea arabica L., Citrus × limonum Risso, and Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb. The main reported applications were skin exfoliation, moisturising and softening, acne care, hair softening, and stimulation of hair growth. Poultices, infusions, decoctions, and fresh applications were the principal preparation methods. Most respondents reported satisfactory results, although some adverse effects were also noted. Conclusion: This study highlights the richness of local phytocosmetic knowledge in Oran and underscores the value of traditional plant-based practices as a potential resource for future cosmetic research. Further phytochemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies are needed to validate the safety and efficacy of the most commonly used species and formulations.
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Claims 8
Claim · model-written summary
The survey identified 61 plant species from 36 families.
Verbatim
e0“The survey identified 61 plant species belonging to 36 botanical families”
Claim · model-written summary
The survey documented 108 phytocosmetic formulations.
Verbatim
e0“documented 108 phytocosmetic formulations”
e1“plant species traditionally used in cosmetic preparations”
Claim · model-written summary
Five plant species were cited most frequently for cosmetic use.
- Taxon
- Olea europaea L.
Olea europaeae0 - Outcome
- most frequently cited speciese0
Organisms pictured · Representative pictures of the matched species, not figures from the paper.
Verbatim
e0“The most frequently cited species were Olea europaea L., Cocos nucifera L., Coffea arabica L., Citrus × limonum Risso, and Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb.”
Claim · model-written summary
Skin exfoliation, moisturising and softening, and acne care were reported uses.
Verbatim
e0“The main reported applications were skin exfoliation, moisturising and softening, acne care, hair softening, and stimulation of hair growth.”
e1“plant species traditionally used in cosmetic preparations”
Claim · model-written summary
Hair softening and stimulation of hair growth were reported uses.
Verbatim
e0“The main reported applications were skin exfoliation, moisturising and softening, acne care, hair softening, and stimulation of hair growth.”
e1“plant species traditionally used in cosmetic preparations”
Claim · model-written summary
Poultices, infusions, and decoctions were principal preparation methods.
Verbatim
e0“Poultices, infusions, decoctions, and fresh applications were the principal preparation methods.”
e1“plant species traditionally used in cosmetic preparations”
Claim · model-written summary
Fresh applications were also a principal preparation method.
Verbatim
e0“Poultices, infusions, decoctions, and fresh applications were the principal preparation methods.”
e1“plant species traditionally used in cosmetic preparations”
Claim · model-written summary
Most respondents reported satisfactory results from cosmetic plant use, with some adverse effects.
Verbatim
e0“Most respondents reported satisfactory results, although some adverse effects were also noted.”
e1“plant species traditionally used in cosmetic preparations”