What term describes the use of plants and their properties in skincare therapy?

Phytotherapy is the term that describes the use of plants and their properties in skincare therapy. This approach involves utilizing plant extracts, essential oils, and other botanical ingredients for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits. In skincare, phytotherapy can encompass a wide range of applications, including the treatment of various skin conditions, moisturization, anti-aging benefits, and overall skin health enhancement.

The focus on plants makes phytotherapy particularly relevant in the context of natural and holistic skincare approaches, where the aim is to harness the entire plant’s properties rather than isolating compounds synthetically. This method leverages the natural compounds found in plants, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, which can be beneficial for skin rejuvenation and healing.

While aromatherapy also involves the use of plant-derived substances — specifically essential oils — its primary focus is on the aromatic properties and their effects on mood and well-being. Herbalism refers more broadly to the practice of using plants for medicinal purposes but does not necessarily confine itself to skincare applications. Botanotherapy can sometimes be used interchangeably with phytotherapy but is less commonly recognized as a distinct term in the field, which may lead to ambiguity regarding its precise definition or scope in skincare.