Contemporary Use of Phytocosmetics in Three Districts from North-Eastern Algeria

Background: In Algeria, the cosmetic market is competitive, with an annual growth of 12%. Because of the toxicity of synthetics cosmetics, the industry is currently more concentrated on herbal cosmetics. Phytocosmetic is an important aspect of traditional medicine in Algerian culture, whose information is scanty. Objective: The present study has been conducted to assess quantitatively the use of herbs in phytocosmetics application. Method: Data was collected from 300 users via face to face interviews using semi-structured questionnaire in three districts from North-eastern Algeria: Annaba, El Tarf and Skikda. Five parameters were evaluated including the demographic characteristics, the form of cosmetic preparation and, medicinal stories used in cosmetic applications. Results: The soap (67%) and a fixed oil (56%) were the preparation forms most used in phytocosmetics applications. Although, five medicinal plants were recorded: Aloe vera (L.) Burm.F., Matricaria recutita L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck and Ricinus communis L. The highest relative citation frequency (RFC) was attributed to A. vera in the three district Skikda (0.68), Annaba (0.57), and El Tarf (0.43). Eleven traditional recipes have been described. Conclusion: This study is able to record the available information the importance of phytocosmetic in traditional medicine. However, further research should be conducted in Algeria, to explore the toxicity of these products.