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If you are a Hindu married woman, you already know the importance of Sindoor in your life. While flaunting the marital status depends entirely on an individual’s standpoint, applying Sindoor on the forehead and hair partition can significantly enhance a woman’s feminine grace. In this modern age of globalization, the practice of sindoor application has also evolved. So, let us talk about Sindoor in this article. Also, find India’s ten best sindoor brands to flaunt your marital status stylishly and fashionably.
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What is Sindoor?
Uses of Sindoor
Chemical Composition of Sindoor
Different Types of Sindoor
10 Best Sindoor Brands Available in India
Side Effects of Using Sindoor
Preventive Measures to Follow
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Sindoor?
Sindoor or sindooram is a cosmetic powder used by women of Hindu communities in the Indian subcontinent. It was prepared at home by mixing natural ingredients like turmeric powder, camphor, saffron, alum, sandalwood powder, and beet extract. But these days, commercial sindoors are mostly made of synthetic compounds, while only a few brands offer herbal ones. Traditional Sindoor has a beautiful vermillion red hue but can also be orange. In southern India, Sindoor is also popularly known as ‘kumkum.’ However, the composition of kumkum is slightly different than that of traditional Sindoor as it only contains turmeric powder and limestone.
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Uses of Sindoor
The practice of wearing sindoor dates back centuries. It signifies the sacred bond of marriage and is considered a prominent symbol of being married among Hindu women. Stopping the practice usually indicates that the woman has entered her widowhood. Sindoor is mainly applied along the parting of the hair. It also makes a ‘bindi’ on the forehead between the eyebrows. (1)
According to the Hindu community, sindoor, along with mangalsutra, bangles, and toe ring, defines the marital status of women. While today’s society has become quite liberal about other pre- and post-wedding customs, the use of sindoor is still considered as a must.
Chemical Composition of Sindoor
The primary component of Sindoor is ‘cinnabar’ or mercury sulfide, which contributes to its signature reddish-orange color. It is a toxic material and should be avoided at all costs (2). Other common elements of powdered Sindoor include turmeric powder and limestone. However, commercially manufactured sindoors mainly contain synthetic ingredients, such as chemical dyes, powdered crude red lead, rhodamine B, etc. Some of these unbranded products contain low-priced red dyes that give an attractive, rich red color at the cost of your health.
Many herbal cosmetics brands are now coming up with herbal sindoors, which are primarily composed of natural, herbal, and/or ayurvedic ingredients. They are free from lead, mercury, and other toxic materials, which reduces skin damage on application. (3)
Different Types of Sindoor
The following are the most common types of Sindoor available in India:
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Powdered Sindoor: This is the oldest form of Sindoor, which is extremely popular among women nationwide. Typically, the sindoor powder is kept in a small decorated container named ‘sindoor daani’; one must apply it directly using fingers. However, it quickly falls on the face and smudges during summer.
Stick Sindoor: Like lipsticks in twisted packaging, this Sindoor also comes as a stick. The best thing about a stick sindoor is its creamy texture and pointed tip, facilitating an easy, smooth, and smudge-free application.
Liquid Sindoor: This is the best choice for today’s modern-age women. This type of Sindoor comes in packaging similar to liquid lipsticks, which are very easy to carry and handle. The product dries very quickly and does not smudge at all. Moreover, the sponge tip applicator in it makes the application effortless.
10 Best Sindoor Brands Available in India
Here is a list of the best sindoor brands available in India that can help you flaunt your marital status with pride and elegance:
1. Lakme Jewel Sindoor
This Jewel Sindoor from one of India’s leading color cosmetics brands, Lakme, is specially crafted by experts for the Indian skin. Make achieving your traditional look a non-messy affair with one stroke, and feel like a bride daily!
Key Features:
Two classic shades – red and maroon
A liquid-based sindoor
Long-lasting formula
Does not smudge
Has sponge-tip applicator
Offers precision and finesse
Easy to carry packaging
Price: Rs. 175 for 4.5 ml.
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2. Lotus Makeup DivineDEW Herbal Sindoor
The DivineDEW Herbal Sindoor from Lotus Makeup is a novel product with natural herbal ingredients. It is safe for long-term usage and offers an elegant look every time.
Key Features:
Two unique shades – Love Drop and Rosy Blush
A liquid-based sindoor
Water-resistant formulation
Enriched with botanical extracts
Gives a beautiful matte finish
Free from mercury, lead, and other toxins
It comes with a sponge-tip applicator
Sturdy packaging without spillage
Price: Rs. 165 for 8 gm.
3. Shahnaz Husain Herbal Sindoor
This herbal liquid sindoor from the renowned Shahnaz Husain brand is based on age-old traditions but explicitly designed for modern needs. It serves the purpose without causing allergic reactions and nourishes the skin beautifully.
Key Features:
Two classic shades – red and maroon
Natural composition with a liquid base
Comprises herbal extracts and oils
Nourishes the skin effectively
Free from toxic ingredients
It has a sponge-tip applicator
Clinically tested product
Easy and convenient application
Price: Rs. 135 for 9 ml.
4. Keya Seth’s Aromatherapy Aromatic Jewel Sindur
This Keya Seth’s Aromatherapy Aromatic Jewel Sindur is prepared from various floral colors and minerals, which makes it safe and harmless. Its formulation also has a touch of gold dust that gives a glittering style.
Key Features:
Available in four shades – vermillion, red, maroon, magenta
100% natural product
Enriched with herbal color, flower extracts, and minerals
Free from mercury and chemicals
Creates a glittering style with gold dust
Does not cause allergic reactions
It does not increase hair fall
Price: Rs. 155 for 8 ml.
5. Jovees Herbal Sindoor
The Jovees Herbal Sindoor is another naturally formulated product free from toxins like lead and mercury. It is also available in red and maroon colors to suit your choice.
Key Features:
Two shades – red and maroon
100% natural product
Comprises precious herbs and natural color
Water-resistant formulation
Free from parabens and alcohol
It does not have mercury or lead
Price: Rs. 135 for 8 ml.
6. Coloressence Aqua Sindoor
Coloressence, the color cosmetics brand of Nature’s Essence, has developed this Aqua Sindoor containing top-quality pigments imported from Germany. It has natural herbal ingredients, and the application is smudge-free, too.
Key Features:
Two bright shades – red and maroon
It uses top-quality pigments imported from Germany
It offers the goodness of antiseptic turmeric and cooling sandalwood
Waterproof formulation
Dries up fast
Does not smudge
Stays for the whole day without fading away
Gives a perfect matte finish
Easy-to-use applicator wand
Transparent and sturdy packaging
Price: Rs. 145 for 6 ml.
7. Blue Heaven Xpression Sparkle Sindoor
Specially formulated with safe and exotic herbal ingredients, this Blue Heaven Xpression Sparkle Sindoor provides an excellent glittery look with a velvety matte finish. The non-messy product is highly affordable, too.
Key Features:
Two bright shades – red and maroon
Enriched with exotic herbal ingredients
Waterproof formulation
It has a subtle glitter look
Yields a velvety matte finish
Stays for a long time
Dries very quickly
Completely safe to use
It does not cause any skin irritation
Sponge tip applicator for smooth and precise application
Price: Rs. 160 for 6.5 ml.
8. Colorbar Sindoor
The Colorbar Sindoor blends the love of traditions with the power of innovation to give you a rich and long-lasting color. It is a time-honored product with a modern twist, perfect for the contemporary Indian woman.
Key Features:
Two exclusive shades – My Red and My Maroon
A liquid-based product
Highly pigmented Sindoor delivers rich color
Stays for hours
Smudge-proof and crease-proof
Free from parabens, allergens, synthetic fragrances, and other toxic chemicals
Dermatologically-tested product
It has a long, sponge-tip applicator
Easy and precise application
Suitable for all skin types
Price: Rs. 145 for 3.8 ml.
9. Patanjali Herbal Suhag Teeka
The Suhag Teeka is an Ayurvedic proprietary medicine by Patanjali Ayurved. It is safe and suitable for everyday use because it is rich in herbal ingredients. The Sindoor also revitalizes, nourishes, and softens the skin/scalp.
Key Features:
An Ayurvedic formulation with natural dye
A unique combination of precious herbs, vegetable oils, and waxes
Revitalizes, nourishes, and softens the skin/scalp
It contains the extracts of rakt chandan, manjishtha, and kesar
Waterproof, sweat-resistant, and smudge-proof
Stays on the parting for hours
Does not cause skin irritation
Retractable sindoor stick
Glides very smoothly
It can be washed away easily
Price: Rs. 75 for 3 gm.
10. Oshea Herbals Mystic Herbal Sindoor
The Oshea Herbals Mystic Herbal Sindoor combines Indian cultural colors with the goodness of herbs. It is another safe formula that gives you a chic style without causing any harm to your skin, scalp, or hair.
Key Features:
Two classic shades – red and maroon
Promises the purity of Ayurveda
100% natural and vegetarian ingredients
Waterproof formulation
Free from mercury and lead
Easy to apply and remove
Suitable for sensitive skin, too
It has a sponge applicator
Completely safe on the scalp and skin
Price: Rs. 155 for 6 ml.
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Always store stick or liquid sindoor in cool, dry, and dark place. Make sure that you protect it from direct sunlight. Also, shake it well before use every time.
Side Effects of Using Sindoor
Ayurvedic or herbal sindoors containing all-natural ingredients are safe for regular use. However, non-herbal formulations, especially powdered ones, may cause adverse effects if not used carefully. Some of the most common risks of this sacred vermillion are rashes, itchiness, dandruff, frequent hair fall, acute hair loss, etc. The toxic chemicals used in this product can also cause lead poisoning or lead nephropathy, hereditary disorders, and even skin cancer.
Preventive Measures to Follow
Sindoor should be chosen and applied carefully as a ubiquitous need for every married woman. Following are the preventive measures you can take to steer clear of the harmful effects of the product:
Go only for herbal or ayurvedic products consisting of natural ingredients
Invest in a high-quality branded product
Always check the label of ingredients while buying a Sindoor
Apply a small amount of Sindoor every time and use it occasionally (if possible)
Summary:
Sindoor is a cosmetic powder that is applied by Indian Hindu women to signify that they are married. It usually contains mercury sulfide, turmeric powder, and lime. Commercially synthesized sindoor contains a number of toxic chemicals, which cause a lot of damage to our skin, scalp, and hair. However, choosing herbal or Ayurvedic products from the best sindoor brands can help you stay away from all the adverse effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Colors of Sindoor Are There? Sindoor comes in several colors: blood red, red, vermillion, orange, maroon, magenta, etc.
What Happens If We Eat Sindoor? Commercial sindoors contain high amounts of mercury, lead, and other toxic chemical compounds. So, eating it can put your life at risk.
Why is Sindoor Red? According to Hindu belief, the color red is considered auspicious. Hence, the red-colored Sindoor is always chosen for sacred events like marriage.
References:
“Sindoor“, Wikipedia.org
“Mercury Based Drug in Ancient India: The Red Sulfide of Mercury in Nanoscale,” ScienceDirect.com
“Formulation and Evolution of Herbal Sindoor Using Different Natural/Herbal Ingredients,” Academia.edu
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