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What Is Triphala? Ayurveda's Most Revered Compound and Its Role in Skincare

Triphala is not a single herb. It is the most celebrated compound formulation in Ayurvedic medicine — a precise combination of three fruits that have been used together for over 3,000 years because their combined effect on the body and skin exceeds what any one of them produces alone.

In the PRANA Saffron Glow Serum, all three fruits of Triphala appear in their classical proportions, providing the antioxidant, rejuvenating and skin-renewing foundation upon which the serum's other botanicals build.

Understanding what Triphala is, where it comes from, and what each fruit contributes to skin health is the key to understanding why this 3,000-year-old formulation principle remains at the centre of serious Ayurvedic skincare.

The Three Fruits of Triphala

Amla — Emblica Officinalis

Amla — the Indian gooseberry — is classified in Ayurveda as the most important rasayana (rejuvenating) herb. Its Sanskrit name, Amalaki, literally means 'the nurse' — reflecting its foundational role in Ayurvedic healing.

Amla contains one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C found in any natural source: approximately 700mg per 100g, which is twenty times the concentration of an orange. Unlike synthetic ascorbic acid, the vitamin C in amla is bound to tannins and polyphenols that stabilise it against oxidation.

For skin, amla's vitamin C directly supports collagen synthesis, while its polyphenols provide antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory benefits that slow premature ageing.

Haritaki — Terminalia Chebula

Haritaki is called 'the king of herbs' in Ayurveda. It has documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent and wound-healing properties.

For skin, its tannin content tightens pores and improves texture, while its antioxidant compounds protect against collagen breakdown and hyperpigmentation.

Bibhitaki — Terminalia Bellerica

Bibhitaki is the third component of Triphala and is associated with skin clearing and toning.

It contains compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping with dullness, congestion and uneven skin texture.

Why Triphala Is Used in a Serum, Not Taken Internally

Triphala is commonly known as an internal supplement, but its topical use is deeply rooted in classical Ayurvedic practice.

When infused in oil, its active compounds become bioavailable through the skin barrier, delivering antioxidant and rejuvenating benefits directly to the skin.

In the PRANA Saffron Glow Serum, Triphala is combined with a traditional oil base that enhances absorption and effectiveness.

Triphala and the Modern Skin Science Connection

The combined antioxidant activity of amla, haritaki and bibhitaki provides broad-spectrum protection against multiple pathways of skin ageing.

Vitamin C supports collagen production, while polyphenols protect both water-based and oil-based components of the skin from oxidative damage.

This multi-layered approach is why Triphala is considered a powerful rejuvenating formulation in Ayurveda.