Applications of Traditional Herbal Ingredients in Skincare: Mapping the Research Landscape and Innovation Trajectories Over Four Decades.

OBJECTIVE

Along with economic and technological advancements, traditional herbal ingredients have garnered increasing attention in skincare due to their antioxidative properties, low toxicity, multitargeted effects, and broad cultural acceptance. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive knowledge frameworks and systematic research trend analyses in this field. This study examines the scientific landscape and innovation patterns of herbal skincare, aiming to establish a framework for integrating traditional wisdom with modern dermatological science.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection (SCI-E). CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and ArcGIS were employed to analyze leading contributors, research trends, and thematic evolutions.

RESULTS

The analysis yielded 1593 papers authored by 753 researchers from 507 institutions across 102 countries. China emerged as the top contributor, while Industrial Crops and Products was the most highly cited journal, and Zengin, Gokhan, was the most prolific author. Geographical clustering and cultural convergence characterized the distribution of countries, institutions, and authors. Keyword clustering identified 20 research networks, with recent clusters including #6 "molecular docking," #7 "chromatography-mass spectrometry," and #15 "mixture design." Persistently trending keywords included "Mechanism," "Gut microbiota," "Network pharmacology," and "Association."

CONCLUSION

Research on herbal skincare has evolved from raw plant usage to advanced refinement techniques, spanning animal, cellular, and molecular studies, including high-throughput screening approaches. Formulations have progressed from complex mixtures to single-compound extractions and bioactive monomers. A comprehensive research system has been established, yet standardization in dosage, application, and manufacturing remains crucial. Future studies should prioritize multicenter clinical trials and evidence-based validation. This study highlights the transition from empirical herbal applications to precision skincare, advocating for global collaboration between traditional medicine and modern regulatory science.