Since I was young, I have been exposed to the so-called “fountain of youth” mystery. Movies depict scenarios where aging is a thing of the past; television shows and ads highlight “ageless look” to promote some personal care products; newspapers and magazines likewise feature articles and ads on new technology – products to retain that “youthful look” both in the female and the male gender.

Today, the situation has not changed – meaning that despite the hectic pace of life and the high cost of living, both man and woman are still concerned to preserve their youthful look. Yes, regardless of racial culture, vanity has the same meaning to all. This in turn has immensely expanded the market for personal care and cosmetic products here and abroad.

A big segment of the personal care and cosmetic products is now concededly dominated by herbal cosmetic and personal care products.

Simply, herbal products in its strict sense are those products that are prepared from plants without using additives, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors. Herbal products are a billion-dollar industry.

Many of us are familiar with some of our locally-manufactured herbal products like banaba, ampalaya, pito-pito tea, herbal soap/ shampoos, herbal cosmetics, and herbal medicine like lagundi and sambong capsules. Today, global sales of herbal products including herbal cosmetics are soaring.

Talking about natural and organic cosmetics, sales are increasing by over US$ 1 billion a year. This year, revenues from sale of natural and organic cosmetics are projected to reach US$ 7 billion. Plant products are the most widely used ingredients in natural cosmetics referred to as herbal cosmetics.

The great demand for herbal cosmetic products is mainly due to the fact that herbal cosmetics are safe to use and do not have any side effects like allergies and rashes on the skin.

In herbal cosmetics, various parts of the plant like the leaves, the bark, the roots, fruits, the oil extracted are used. Today, herbal cosmetics are growing popular not only in Asian countries like the Philippines and India but also in other countries like United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and France.

Finally, it is heartening to note that way back in 2000, an umbrella organization for herbal products was formed by those in the industry.

The name of the organization is Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines, Inc. (CHIPI). The current officers are: Mr. Lito Abelarde, Chairman; Dr. Rainier Villanueva, MD, President; Mr. Benson Sian, Vice President for Food Supplement; Wilma Tuanqui, MD, Vice President for Cosmetics; Ms. Caroline Villegas, Secretary; Ms. Teresa Santos, Treasurer; Dr. Edwin Bien, MD, PRO.

The Committee head of CHIPI are: Ms. Grace Del Rosario, Regulatory Chairman; Ms. Ruby Cruz, Membership Chairman; Ms. Jeanette M. Perdigon, Food Supplement Co-Chairman; Ms. Toni Rebullante, Cosmetics Co-Chairman; Mr. Fred Umblas, Marketing Chairman; Elinor Roquel, MD, Marketing Co-Chairman.

Have a joyful day!