Acanthus ilicifolius Linn. was a tropical plant commonly found in Thailand yet it has been known as a beneficial resource for antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate antioxidant activity and irritation of ethanolic A. ilicifolius leave extract. The major antioxidant compounds in the extract were Herbal cosmeceuticals are natural products whose ingredients have properties to rejuvenate and protect the skin from environmental pollution, chemicals,atmospheric temperature fluctuation, Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B radiation, wrinkling, hyper pigmentation (excessive tanning) and inflammations. The present review focuses on scientific account on use of herbs in cosmetics. In future, more effective formulations containing herbal component may come in trend. The addition of herbal extracts for therapeutic use requires better understanding of herbal potential. The present trend towards herbal cosmetics with effective therapeutic property will continue and may be some newer herbs will also be placed in cosmetics world. In coming future, the regulatory authorities will need to frame some laws concerned with safety, efficacy and quality assessment of these newer herbal cosmeceuticals