Natural Bioactive Compounds in Cosmeceuticals: Challenges and Future Perspectives

The global cosmetic market is experiencing dramatic growth, and it is shifting significantly toward the use of natural substances rather than synthetic ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Natural bioactive compounds, obtained from plants, are used in the modern cosmetic industry in order to enhance skin appearance and provide biological bene-fits. These compounds include flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, fatty acids, and vitamins with anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Most previous studies have focused on plant extracts and their general effects on human skin, without bridging the gap between systematic classification of bioactive compounds and their cosmetic applications. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide a novel framework for bioactive compounds which are utilized in cosmeceuticals. Additionally, it discusses biological activities of each compound associated with skin well-being, its applications in the cosmetic industry, as well as its general challenges and limitations in cosmetic formulations.