Chinese inspiration: Balancing energy flow

Traditional Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to health based on the harmonious flow of complementary energies in the body. Yin Qi is the nourishing energy that strengthens the body’s internal defenses, while Wei Qi is the defensive energy that protects the body from external aggressors. The entire traditional Chinese pharmacopeia relies on this classification of natural ingredients (plants and flowers) to combine or avoid them to reach balance, a vital factor in maintaining health and youth. A major Chinese mass market brand, Herborist, has drawn from this ancient knowledge to create products that are popular among Western consumers. The luxury Korean brand Sulwhasoo incorporates ginseng, a key ingredient in Chinese herbalism, into its products. Cha Ling is another brand to watch – it has an entire line of products made from the legendary Pu’er tea from Yunnan, a province renowned for the purity of its air and diverse flora. 

Ayurveda: Healing our inner nature

Ayurveda, the “science of life”, emerged more than 5,000 years ago in India and is based on finding balance among the five vital elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth. These elements are grouped into three constitution types, the doshas: Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water). In cosmetics, this involves knowing your dominant constitution that determines your skin type to choose the appropriate Ayurvedic products. Brands include the French company Taaj and its products adapted to each dosha, formulated with spring water from the Himalayas, plants and essential oils. There is also the pioneering brand Aveda, which offers a wide range of cosmetic products that are directly inspired by Ayurvedic principles and made with carefully sourced ingredients of mainly natural origin. Perhaps the cosmetics of tomorrow will finally take root in the traditions from five thousand years ago.

These new natural formulas, inspired by nature and traditional knowledge, have the benefit of today’s technology with ultra-protective packaging to preserve their healing properties.