From Kourtney Kardashian to Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashwagandha is a global celebrity favourite super ingredient

Ashwagandha as an Ayurvedic ingredient has been used for centuries in the South East Asian beauty landscape, but now this superfood staple has been making a buzz in the international markets as well.

Called the queen of adaptogens, "Ashwagandha offers a range of skincare benefits, such as stimulating collagen and elastin production, repairing UV-induced damage and slowing down photoageing, exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects, strengthening the skin’s barrier, combating oxidative stress and protecting against environmental damage," informs Dr. Geetika Srivastava, Dermatologist and Founder of Influennz Clinic. 

"Its holistic healing profile makes it a go-to for those seeking both, wellness and beauty benefits," continues Dr. Srivastava. "Traditionally consumed as a tonic for boosting vitality and reducing anxiety, it has recently gained popularity in topical skincare formulations."

While ashwagandha is commonly found in Indian beauty products, international brands such as Goop, a wellness brand founded by Gwyneth Paltrow, uses this ingredient in their energy body wash as well.

American celebrity Kourtney Kardashian spoke about the benefits of Ashwagandha used in her supplement Lemme Chill, which was formulated to reduce stress and support healthy management of cortisol.

This power ingredient is found in Youth To The People and Tatcha's hydrating adaptogen-based moisturisers too.

What are adaptogens?

"Adaptogens are naturally occurring plant-based substances — typically herbs or mushrooms — that help the body adapt to physical, emotional, and environmental stressors," explains Dr. Srivastava. "They have been used for centuries in traditional systems such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicines."

Besides ashwagandha, there are various other adaptogens that are used in skincare, such as ginseng, tulsi, reishi mushroom, liquorice root extract, gotu kola, tremella mushroom and golden root. These many adaptogens perform similarly to adaptogens and are beneficial in many ways, such as promoting skin elasticity, helping with anti-ageing benefits, boosting collagen, providing protection against photoageing, helping reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, keeping skin plump and hydrated and many more.

Adaptogens combine ancient herbal healing properties with modern day science, resulting into an almost magical substance that one's body cannot get enough of. “Whether your skin is aging, dry, acne-prone, or simply stressed out from modern life, these botanicals offer gentle yet powerful solution," concludes Dr. Srivastava.

These super ingredients, like ashwagandha, are found abundantly in serums and moisturisers. They work in synergy with other skincare products, minimising the risk of reactions and thus making them safe to use with either AM or PM skincare routines.