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19 Authentic Ayurvedic Beauty Rituals from Kerala and Beyond That Actually Work - Honest Skincare and Haircare Guide (2026)

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Ayurvedic beauty is not a trend. It is a 5,000 year old system that treats your skin and hair as a mirror of your internal health, and it has been quietly outperforming modern cosmetics in Indian homes for generations. This list brings together 19 of...
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Skin That Glows From the Inside Out

The Indian approach to skincare has always started with oils, because oil penetrates. 
It feeds the skin at a level that surface moisturizers rarely reach. 
This section covers the oils, face packs, and creams that Ayurveda has relied on for centuries to address the things people care most about, brightening, pigmentation, dryness, uneven tone, puffiness, and acne.

 
John Joseph profile picture
A brightening pre-bath body oil made from four sacred tree barks, turmeric, and sandalwood. This is one of Kerala's most famous traditional skin rituals, used at weddings, postpartum recovery, and as a daily glow treatment for generations. Massage it...

 Users consistently report reduction in suntan, body pigmentation, and dullness after 3 to 4 weeks of regular use. Many people mix it with Eladi Keratailam for even better results on the face.

Honest heads up: The turmeric content will stain light colored clothing and white towels, so use a dedicated towel. 
The scent is strongly herbal, which most people grow to love but takes some getting used to. Results are gradual, not overnight.
It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using Nalpamaradi Thailam during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Who it is for : Anyone dealing with suntan, uneven body tone, or dull skin looking for a natural brightening ritual. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, consult a dermatologist before trying.
Kottakkal Ayurveda Nalpamaradi Keratailam 200ml
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John Joseph profile picture
A coconut based face and body oil with aromatic herbs including cardamom, cinnamon, and other classical ingredients. In Kerala this oil is used to soothe dry, irritated skin and reduce pigmentation and puffiness. 

Apply a small amount to the face, leave on for 5 minutes for oily skin or up to 15 minutes for dry skin, then rinse.

 Real users praise it for calming dryness, reducing facial puffiness, and delivering a visible glow with consistent use. 

Many use it daily as part of a morning ritual before their shower. Some people combine it equally with Nalpamaradi for a custom brightening blend.

Honest heads up: Can feel greasy on very oily skin if left on too long. The coconut oil base means it is heavier than a serum. 
Start with a patch test and keep the duration short if you are oily. Store away from heat to preserve the oil.

 Who it is for: Dry to normal skin types dealing with dullness, dryness, or mild pigmentation. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Always patch test before use and consult a dermatologist for persistent skin concerns.
Kottakkal Ayurveda Eladi Keratailam 200ml
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Possibly the most famous face oil in Ayurveda. Kunkumadi Tailam is a saffron-infused oil that has been used for centuries to brighten complexion, reduce dark spots, and even out skin tone. 

Saffron has transitioned from a niche herbal reference to a globally recognized active that commands premium price points in luxury skincare. This is the original. 

Apply 2 to 3 drops at night after cleansing, massage gently, and wake up to noticeably calmer, more radiant skin.

Long time users describe it as transformative for hyperpigmentation and dullness. 
Multiple reviewers note that it is one of the few Ayurvedic face oils that genuinely delivers visible results within 2 to 3 weeks of nightly use.

Who it is for: Anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation, dullness, dark spots, or uneven tone. All skin types. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Not a substitute for dermatologist advice on medical skin conditions.
Kottakkal Ayurveda Kunkumadi Tailam 10ml
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John Joseph profile picture
A cooling, sesame based oil with sandalwood and a blend of classical Ayurvedic herbs. Used head to toe before a shower, it is one of the best Ayurvedic body oils for summer, postpartum recovery, and calming overheated or irritated skin. 

Leave on for at least 30 minutes before bathing.

 Honest heads up: The sesame base is lighter than coconut oil, making it a better choice for oily skin types. 
It is cooling in nature, so it is ideal for summer use but may feel too light for deep winter dryness. 
Not an overnight oil. Use it as a pre-bath ritual.

Who it is for: Sensitive skin, summer skincare, postpartum recovery, anyone who runs hot or has easily irritated skin. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. If you are in a postpartum period, consult your doctor before adding any new product to your routine.
Sitaram Ayurveda Chandanadi Thailam 200ml
 
John Joseph profile picture
There is a specific kind of skin misery that regular moisturizers simply cannot touch. 

The heel that has cracked so deeply it stings when you walk. The patch of eczema on your elbow that flares every winter no matter what you put on it. 

The skin around your knuckles that splits open in cold, dry air and takes weeks to heal. If you have been in that situation, you already know that your regular body lotion is not the answer. 

You need something built for skin that is genuinely suffering, not just skin that is a little dry. Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala is one of the oldest and most respected Ayurvedic institutions in Kerala, with a heritage rooted in classical Keralite medici... 

This ointment is built on a base of medicated ghee, which in Ayurveda is considered the most penetrating and deeply nourishing of all therapeutic bases. 

The ghee carries active herbs including Turmeric for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action, Kutki for its ability to calm chronic skin inflammation, and a proprietary blend of bitter herbs that have been used for centuries in the ma... 

In Ayurveda, bitterness in a formulation signals deep detoxifying and cooling action, which is exactly what inflamed, angry skin needs. 

This ointment works at a depth that surface emollients cannot reach. It does not sit on top of the skin. It absorbs slowly and steadily, feeding the compromised skin barrier from within and reducing the heat and irritation that keeps the skin locked ... 

Applied consistently on cracked heels, dry elbows, chapped lips, and inflamed patches, it creates the conditions for the skin to actually repair itself rather than just feel temporarily soothed. 

Honest heads up: This is not an everyday face moisturizer and should never be used as one. The formulation is rich, heavy, and medicated, and it is entirely unsuitable for oily or acne-prone skin. 

Use it only where you genuinely need it. Targeted application on problem areas is the right approach. Because it is a ghee-based formulation, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat. 

Ghee-based preparations can deteriorate if exposed to warmth over time. And because this product has deep therapeutic roots, if you are dealing with a persistent or worsening skin condition rather than seasonal dryness, please consult a dermatologist... 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
VAIDYARATNAM MAHATHIKTHAKAM GHRUTHAM OINT (2)
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John Joseph profile picture
A fine herbal powder used as a face pack or body scrub when mixed with rose water or toner. 
This classical Ayurvedic formulation is traditionally used to cleanse, exfoliate gently, and improve skin clarity. 

Mix a small amount into a paste, apply to face or body, and rinse when it begins to semi-dry, not fully dry.

People love this as a replacement for chemical laden face washes. Regular users report reduced oiliness, improved clarity, and a natural clean feeling that no foam cleanser has matched for them.

Honest heads up: Do not leave it until fully dry as it can pull moisture from the skin. 
Use rose water as your mixing liquid for best results. 
It takes a little practice to find the right consistency. 
Not ideal for very dry skin as a daily product, better suited to oily and combination skin types.

Who it is for: Oily and combination skin. Anyone wanting a natural, chemical free alternative to conventional face washes. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Avoid if you have known allergies to any of the herbal ingredients.
Sitaram Ayurveda Eladi Choorna Herbal Skin Powder
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John Joseph profile picture
Kama Ayurveda sources saffron from Kashmir, and the quality of ingredients used is what differentiates the brand. 

This is a lightweight, fast absorbing face serum that delivers the brightening power of saffron in a format that works easily into a modern skincare routine. 

Use a few drops at night on clean skin.

Consistently one of the most reviewed and recommended Ayurvedic beauty products globally.

Users report visible improvement in pigmentation, glow, and overall skin clarity within 3 to 4 weeks. 

It has a cult following among people who have tried everything and found this to actually work.

Who it is for: All skin types. Particularly effective for dullness, dark spots, uneven tone, and early signs of aging. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before facial use. Consult a dermatologist if you have active breakouts or a diagnosed skin condition.
KUMKUMADI YOUTH-ILLUMINATING SILKY SERUM 15ML
 
John Joseph profile picture
Most cleansers do one job and do it badly. They strip your skin of everything, including the oils it actually needs, and leave it feeling tight and slightly raw. 

Then you spend the next ten minutes applying products to repair the damage your cleanser just caused. If you have ever finished washing your face and immediately felt like your skin was thirsty, your cleanser is the problem. 

Forest Essentials is one of India's most respected luxury Ayurvedic brands, with nearly 200 standalone stores globally and a long history of bringing classical Ayurvedic formulations to a modern audience without watering them down. 

This cleanser is built around two of Ayurveda's most celebrated skin herbs. Kashmiri Saffron, sourced directly from the Kashmir valley, works to reduce pigmentation, improve skin tone, and bring a gradual luminosity to dull skin over consistent use. 

Neem, one of Ayurveda's most powerful antibacterial herbs, clears and purifies without the harshness of synthetic exfoliants or chemical antibacterials. 

What makes this formulation genuinely interesting is that Forest Essentials has now layered modern actives onto this classical base. The current formula includes Hyaluronic Acid for deep humectant hydration and Niacinamide, which is Vitamin B3, for s... 

It also contains Nagkesar for skin retexturising and firming, and Panchpushp Water, a traditional floral water blend that softens and conditions. The result is a cleanser that does not just remove dirt. It actively deposits moisture and botanical nut... 

It is sulphate free, paraben free, silicone free, and reef safe. Vegan and cruelty free. Honest heads up: Because the current formulation contains Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide alongside the classical herbs, this sits in hybrid territory between tr... 

If you are specifically looking for a purely classical formulation with no modern additions, this is not that product. Also, despite being named after saffron, the saffron flower extract appears toward the end of the ingredient list, which means it i... 

The primary workhorses in this formula are Neem, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid. Finally, the formula contains Rose Extract, which can trigger reactions in people with known rose allergies. 

Patch test before committing to daily use. This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Forest Essentials Saffron & Neem Facial Cleanser 50ml
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John Joseph profile picture
An Ayurvedic face pack or ubtan is a powder blend of clays and herbs you mix with a liquid right before use. 

That fresh mix format is the whole advantage. No preservatives, and you control what goes on your skin. 

Kasturi Manjal is a wild turmeric pack specifically for tan and dullness. 

Wild turmeric, also called Kasturi Manjal, is the cosmetic grade turmeric that does not stain skin the way kitchen turmeric does. 

The Kasturi Manjal has around a 4.9 out of 5 rating, with 88% giving it 5 stars
SHESHA Ayurveda KASTURI MANJAL (25 grams)
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John Joseph profile picture
This face cream from Kama Ayurveda is built on an original formulation first documented in the Ashtanga Hrudayam, one of the foundational classical texts of Ayurvedic medicine. 

The base is pure coconut milk and sesame oil, processed with Eladi herbs including Cardamom and Costus, both of which are exceptionally rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E and are traditionally used for their Varneekarana properties. 

Varneekarana in Ayurveda refers specifically to the ability to enhance and refine skin texture, even out skin tone, and restore the natural radiance that stress, pollution, and poor sleep tend to dull over time. 

It also carries mild anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it particularly suitable for skin that is sensitive, reactive, or prone to redness.

Honest heads up: This cream is richer in texture, so if you live in a very hot or humid climate you may find it feels slightly heavy during the warmest months. 

Many users apply it as a night cream during summer and a daily moisturizer in cooler months, which is a practical workaround. 

Also, because the base includes coconut oil, if you already know that coconut oil triggers breakouts for your skin specifically, approach this with caution and do a patch test first. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Kama Ayurveda Eladhi Nourishing Cream 50ml
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Hair and Scalp Care the Ayurvedic Way

Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine originating from India, offers natural and effective solutions for haircare, and the benefits of Ayurvedic hair care products specifically are well established. 
This section covers the oils and formulations that Ayurvedic practitioners have used for scalp health, hair fall, dandruff, and nourishment.

 
John Joseph profile picture
If you have been losing more hair than usual, you already know the quiet panic of it. 

This is the one Ayurvedic hair oil that decided to prove itself with actual clinical testing rather than just tradition. 

The formula is built around eleven Ayurvedic herbs led by Bringharaj, known in Ayurveda as Keshraj or the King of Hair, supported by Amla, Brahmi, and Svetakutaja for the scalp. 

It carries no parabens, sulphates, silicones, synthetic dyes, or artificial perfumes. 

What genuinely sets it apart is the clinical backing. It is positioned as India's first clinically proven Ayurvedic hair growth treatment, tested on real men and women with mild to severe hair fall, and it comes with the clever Selfie comb applicator... 

The ritual is simple but it demands patience. Apply it three times a week, leave it on for three to four hours, and rinse it out properly. 

The people who see results are the ones who commit to the full four month cycle, not the ones who give it two weeks and give up. 

Honest heads up: This is a heavy, traditional oil with a strong herbal scent that some people find lingers even after washing, so if you have a sensitive nose, be prepared. Because it is on the heavier side, you will likely need to shampoo twice to g... 

A small number of users report a temporary increase in shedding in the early weeks, which in Ayurveda is sometimes read as weak hairs clearing before stronger growth, but it can be unsettling if you are not expecting it. 

Finally, the Selfie comb takes a few uses to master, since it can be hard to judge how much oil is coming out at first. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Indulekha Ayurvedic Hair Growth Oil 250ml
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John Joseph profile picture
Finding clumps of hair in the shower drain or noticing your parting get wider every month feels like a losing battle against time. 

Most modern serums only coat the hair in silicone to give a fake shine, but they do nothing to nourish the actual follicle. 

This specific oil from Sitaram Ayurveda is the gold standard for hair restoration in Kerala. 

If you are struggling with premature greying or thinning that makes you look older than you feel, you need to go back to the source. 

What makes this version superior to many others is the traditional preparation involving four different types of milk. This specific combination acts as a cooling tonic for the scalp, reducing the internal heat that Ayurveda blames for hair loss and ...

Honest heads up: The scent is very traditional and medicinal, so do not expect a floral perfume. Because this is a pure oil, you will need to shampoo twice to fully remove it, or your hair might feel heavy the next day.

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Sitaram Neelibhrungadi Coconut Oil 200ML
 
John Joseph profile picture
This version by Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala is the sesame based alternative to the standard Kerala formulations. 

Sesame oil is known as the most penetrating of all base oils because its molecular structure is smaller, allowing the herbs to travel deeper into the roots. 

Because sesame is naturally warming, it balances the cooling nature of the Neeli and Bhringraj herbs, making it the superior choice for anyone prone to sinus issues or who wants to use an oil during the winter months.

 Honest heads up: Some users experience a temporary increase in hair shedding during the first two weeks of use. 
This is often a "detox" response where weak, dead hairs are pushed out to make room for stronger new growth, but it can be alarming if you aren't expecting it. 
Also, even though the base is sesame, the herbs themselves are still cooling. If you are prone to colds, warm the oil slightly and add a pinch of black pepper before applying. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Kottakkal Ayurveda Nilibhringadi Tailam 200ml
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John Joseph profile picture
This oil is formulated by the legendary Arya Vaidya Sala in Kottakkal using a blend that includes Musta, an herb specifically prized in Ayurveda for its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, and Ushira, which provides an immediate cooling sen... 

It is designed to clear the "ama," or toxins, from the pores of your scalp, allowing the hair follicles to breathe again. If your hair fall is being triggered by stress or scalp infections rather than just genetics, this is the bottle you should reac... 

It also has a slightly lighter, sweeter herbal scent compared to the very medicinal aroma of other traditional oils. 

Honest heads up: This oil is exceptionally cooling. If you are prone to sinus headaches or catch colds easily, do not leave this on overnight. 

Keep your application to 30 minutes before a shower. Also, be aware that some users report a temporary increase in hair fall during the first month. 
In the Ayurvedic tradition, this is often viewed as a "clearing" phase where the scalp sheds weak, unhealthy strands to make way for a more robust growth cycle. 


This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Kottakkal Ayurveda Kuntalakantitailam 200ml
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John Joseph profile picture
People want the benefits of traditional Indian hair oils but are hesitant about the sourcing of ingredients or the heavy, greasy feel of some older formulations. 

If you are looking for a clean, certified organic entry point into Ayurvedic hair care that doesn't compromise on potency, this is your solution.

Banyan Botanicals is a B Corp based in the United States that has become a global leader in sustainable Ayurveda. 

Their Healthy Hair Oil is a thoughtfully balanced blend of bhringaraj, amalaki, and brahmi infused into a base of both sesame and coconut oils.

Honest heads up: This is a traditional treatment oil, so it must be washed out with shampoo. If you have very fine hair, a little goes a long way, and using too much can make your hair look limp if not thoroughly cleansed. 
Some users find they need a break from the oil after a few months of consistent use to prevent their hair from getting overly saturated with moisture. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Banyan Botanicals Healthy Hair Oil – Organic Hair Oil with Bhringaraj & Amla for All Hair Types – Ayurvedic Hair Care for Thick & Lustrous Hair – 8 oz. – Non GMO Sustainably Sourced Scalp & Hair Oil
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John Joseph profile picture
This serum from Banyan Botanicals is designed to sit at the very end of your Ayurvedic hair care ritual. It is lightweight, fast absorbing, and leaves no greasy residue, which makes it suitable even for fine hair that collapses under heavy product. 

The formula carries the same philosophy as their Healthy Hair Oil, built on certified organic Ayurvedic herbs, but in a format that works as a leave-in treatment. 

It seals the cuticle, smooths frizz, and adds a softness to the strands that builds over consistent use. 

Customers who have used this alongside the Healthy Hair Oil report that their hair feels "stronger" and behaves with a vitality they associate with much younger hair.

Honest heads up: This is not a miracle serum that transforms hair overnight. Results build gradually with consistent use over several weeks. 
If you are expecting the instant gloss of a silicone-heavy product, this will feel subtle at first. 
Also, a very small amount is all you need. Applying too much on fine hair can weigh it down slightly. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Banyan Botanicals Hair Serum – Ayurvedic Herbal Oil for Scalp Care & Healthy Hair Growth – with Organic Amla, Rosemary & Castor Oil – 2 fl oz – Vegan Non-GMO Sustainably Sourced
 
John Joseph profile picture
This Hair Vitalizer from Forest Essentials is the solution for the modern, busy lifestyle. It is a clear, water-based spray that delivers the same potent herbal nutrition as a traditional oil, but with zero residue. 

It is formulated with Bhringraj, famously called the "food for hair," alongside Amla and Green Tea to stimulate the follicles and strengthen the hair at the root. Because it is non-greasy, you can spray it directly onto your scalp every single mornin... 

It is entirely free from parabens, silicones, and petrochemicals, making it the "cleanest" high performance scalp tonic available.

Honest heads up: While this is excellent for scalp health and stimulating growth, it does not provide the same deep conditioning for the hair strands that a traditional oil does. 

If your actual hair is very dry or damaged, you will still need a separate conditioner or a weekly oil treatment. Also, because it is water based, it can slightly disturb your hairstyle if you have just straightened or curled it, so apply it to the r... 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Forest Essentials Hair Vitalizer Bhringraj 130ml
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John Joseph profile picture
This Forest Essentials formulation is made using an ancient Ayurvedic preparation method called Tel Paak, with renowned herbs like Bhringraj, Mulethi, and Brahmi to nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair while also reducing hair fall. 

Known as the "Food for Hair" in Ayurveda, Bhringraj is excellent to promote hair strength and nourishment. 

Henna extract acts as a natural hair conditioner that helps strengthen the hair and maintain the pH balance of the scalp. 

The entire formula is free from chemicals, parabens, and petrochemicals.

Honest heads up: The oil comes in a transparent bottle with a dropper style stopper and has a soft opaque maroon colour. 
Because of the deep herbal pigment, keep it away from white towels or pillowcases. 
This is also a heavier oil by nature, so if you have very fine hair you only need a very small amount, roughly a teaspoon for the full scalp, or it will feel heavy after washing. 

This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Forest Essentials Bhringraj Head Massage Oil
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John Joseph profile picture
These Healthy Hair tablets combine detoxifying herbs that remove excess pitta from the body while supporting the factors that lead to healthy hair growth. 

In practical terms, this means your hair loss might be connected to internal heat, chronic stress, or a liver that needs support, not a shampoo that you haven't found yet. 

What makes this product genuinely special on this list is the angle it covers that no topical product can. In Ayurveda, the health of your hair is a reflection of your liver and internal heat. These tablets feature Amla and Brahmi to support gentle l... 

Customers who combine these tablets with the Banyan Botanicals Healthy Hair Oil and Hair Serum consistently report better results than using any single product alone. 

Some users report positive effects including reduced shedding and increased thickness after prolonged use. 

Some people may notice improvements in hair texture, shine, or reduced shedding within the first 8 to 12 weeks, while more significant changes in hair growth and density develop with continued use. 

Results vary. Some see benefits quickly while others notice little to no change even after a month or more. 

This is not a quick fix. It is a long term investment in the internal conditions that allow healthy hair to grow. 

Also, these tablets are free of gluten, soy, and dairy, and are 100 percent vegetarian, which makes them accessible to most people, but if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any medication, please speak to your doctor before adding any herbal sup... 


This is a product recommendation only and not medical advice. Patch test before use. Consult a doctor for any specific skin or health concern.
Banyan Botanicals Healthy Hair Tablets – Organic Hair Supplement with Amla & Bhringaraj – Ayurvedic Hair Care for Healthy, Thick & Lustrous Hair* – 90 Tablets – Non GMO Sustainably Sourced Vegan
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