Aegle marmelos (Bael) is a middle-sized tree, with slender branches, and pale brown bark that ofter oozes an edible gum. The leaves of bael are unique, and trifoliate in shape which means each leaf consists of around 4 to 12 pairs of side veins adjoining the margin.

The Bael fruits are globose in shape, with a hard exterior and it doesn't split open even upon ripening. The raw fruit looks greenish-grey while the woody exterior turns yellow upon ripening.  The ripened fruit contains aromatic pulp with around 10 to 15 seeds, enclosed in a sac filled with natural adhesive.

Bael tree also has a huge religious significance in the Hindu religion. Believed as the favorite tree of Lord Maha Shiva, the goodness of this botanical wonder found a special mention in Rig Veda and is also believed as the residence of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. 

Cosmetic Name (INCI): Aegle marmelos fruit extract

Benefits of Bael Fruit Extract for Skin:

1. Prevents Skin Infections: Due to the presence of anti-bacterial, anti-fungus, and anti-inflammatory properties of bael, it is an excellent remedy for skin infections. Bael leaf oil inhibits common types of fungus that infect the skin. It can also be beneficial for skin rash and itchy bumps.
    
2. Anti-Aging Effects: As Bael fruit is rich in antioxidants, it is even used in cosmetics products to reduce the sign of aging. Therefore, cosmetic products containing bael fruit extract provide extra nourishment to your skin and make it look glowing as well.
    
3. Reduces Acne Eruption: Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, bael fruit extract is used in acne reduction creams and moisturizers. This quality of bael makes it even more useful for teenage users, as it reduces acne eruptions if used regularly.
    
4. Helps in moisturizing the skin: Because of its laxative properties, bael fruit extract also helps in locking the moisture for a longer duration of time and hence is used in several moisturization lotions. One can see the effects on regular usage of a moisturizer that has bael fruit extract, and that is because the extracts used in cosmetic products are of really small quantities to stabilize the product, and hence daily usage for a longer duration of time helps in proper nourishment to the skin.
    
5. Protects against free radicals: Vitamin B's in bael fruit extract helps in protecting against free radicals that cause oxidative stress and premature aging.
    
6. Helps in scrubbing: Bael fruit extract is useful, but even its shell can be used in soaps and scrubs, which help in getting rid of tanning and opening the pores. Dried bael fruit skin can be used to add as a scrubbing agent in cosmetic products in small granular forms to scrub white and dark heads on the face and nose.

Benefits of Bael Fruit extract for Hair:
Bael has several benefits for hair as well. Below are some of the examples;

1. Helps in moisturizing the scalp: Bael fruit extract in hair products helps in moisturizing the scalp as well. As we have already read in the above section, because of the presence of Vitamin B, and other laxative properties, these are good for all types of skin, and hence products made up of bael fruit extract are good for the scalp as well.
    
2. Helps in getting rid of Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, etc: Hair problems like dandruff, itchy scalp, or oily scalp might be due to aggravation of Kapha dosha. Bael might help manage these conditions due to its Kapha balancing property. It helps to remove excess oil from the scalp and gives natural health and shine to the hair.
    
3. Promotes Hair Growth: Bael fruit is rich in various nutrients and vitamins which are needed for the healthy growth of the hair. Out of the various stone, apple fruit benefits improving the quality and texture of the hair is one of the most popular benefits.

Application of Bael Fruit Extract in Cosmetic or Beauty Products:

1. Anti-Aging Creams
2. Anti-Inflammatory Creams
3. Acne Reduction Creams
4. Moisturization Lotion
5. Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
6. Hair Growth Serum