Publications

Naturally beautiful: cosmetic and beauty products from forests

During the last decade or so the extent of natural ingredients used by the cosmetics industry has increased, but there is no comprehensive publication on beauty products based on forest products, although scattered information does exist. By bringing attention to the role of forests in supplying beauty products and the connections with livelihood security and utilization of NWFPs, awareness of the importance of forests and their connection with cosmetics will be raised.

Within this context, FAO and the Non-Timber Forest Products – Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP) Asia have conducted this regional assessment of NWFPs related to the cosmetics and fragrance sector. The study compiled a set of case studies that examined specific NWFPs and the various traditional contexts in which they are collected, processed and marketed. The main objective of this volume is to present the case studies and the emerging synthesis, while encouraging cross-sectoral discussions in Asia on forests and beauty products. The study also provides recommendations on further enhancing equitable arrangements between forest communities and industry players. The initiative also organized a mini-seminar on forest product contributions to the cosmetics industry as part of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Week 2016 in Clark, Pampanga, the Philippines.

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