Role of Cannabis sativa L. in the Cosmetic Industry: Opportunities and Challenges

Introduction

Cosmetics are materials used to repair or enhance the appearance of animals and people via care, maintenance, prevention, and therapy (Bijauliya et al., 2017; Lintner, 2009). Technically a cosmetic product is defined as “any ingredient” or “formulation” intended for application to any external area of the human body for the goal of cleansing, perfuming, protecting, and maintaining body parts as well as the entire body. Everyone needs cosmetics to live a happy and healthy life (Devi et al., 2022). Before the discovery of technologies for producing chemicals with similar qualities, plants were the principal source and backbone of all cosmetics. Modern pharmaceutical researchers also use many plant-based bioactive compounds for the improvement of cosmetic products. Since the cosmetics industry is not strictly regulated, cosmetic products do not include monographs controlling their formulation and the chemicals utilized (Gupta et al., 2019). There are only a few criteria that regulate the complete prescription of active substances in cosmetic types (Draelos, 2012). Natural components are ubiquitous and expanding in popularity and the usage of plant extracts in cosmetic composition is increasing day by day. Aromatic herbs and oils have been used as incense, fragrances, perfumes, and for medical and culinary purposes for thousands of years. Many wild and cultivated plants have been used in the pharmaceutical industry for their bioactive compounds. Several researchers have claimed that similar to various herbal formulations and supplements, cultivars of Cannabis sativa L. may provide many raw materials for the cosmetics industry and pharmaceutical industry (Vogl et al., 2004). Since then, empirical research has gradually begun to quantify the consequences of cannabis cultivation and, to a lesser extent, consumption. As of early 2020, several nations have established or are in the process of establishing medical access legislation and procedures, and millions of individuals are utilizing cannabis products for medical purposes to treat a variety of medical ailments (Sarma et al., 2020). Historically, cannabis seeds have been gathered for the oil that can be squeezed from them. This oil has found application in a variety of industries, including the food industry as well as manufactures such as soaps, paints, lubricants, and cosmetics (Borhade, 2013; Horne, 2020).