Women's use of plants for cosmetic purposes: a sustainable alternative

Eixo temático: Temas gerais com interface à Saúde Única

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify, through an ethnobotanical survey, the purchasing behavior and frequency of use of cosmetics, as well as the plants used for these purposes. This research was conducted through online questionnaires designed exclusively for women. The questionnaire was answered by 59 women aged between 18 and 30 years. The majority (77.2%) affirms that the internet, friends and family are the main influences for choosing the products they use, with hair, body and intimate hygiene products being the most used. Acerola, grape, pineapple, strawberry and cashew were the fruits recognized with anti-aging action, contributing to the skin. From this research, it was possible to observe that women carry cultural knowledge about plants, however much of this knowledge comes from social networks. From this perspective, this knowledge does not guarantee efficiency, making it necessary to develop studies that confirm this popular perception. Therefore, there’s a need for studies to be carried out in order to provide safety in its use both for consumers and for the environment, whether in its in natura form or in association with cosmetics, associated with the preservation of biodiversity in a sustainable way that can contribute to unique health relationships.