In the current context of REDD+ opportunities, it is important to evaluate forest genetic resources for local communities’ benefits. The aim of this ethnobotanical survey with an emphasis in cosmetopoeia—by referring to the word pharmacopoeia—was to explore, investigate, collect and identify natural resources used in traditional cosmetic in Togo for that purpose. The specific objectives were (i) to inventory plant species used as cosmetic in Togolese ethnocultural groups, and (ii) to describe their biological forms for their sustainable use. Based on ethnobotanical approach, this survey identified through multistage sampling design and semi-structured interview, 177 plant species belonging to 167 genera and 59 families with 82.45% dicotyledonous and 17.55% monocotyledonous species. According to life forms, these species were distributed as ligneous (56.50%) and herbaceous (43.50%). The computation of Whittaker’s Index of Association led to three communities of ethnic groups. The explanatory effect of the ethnic based-tradition was significant and confirmed by Monte Carlo permutation test (P = 0.0020) after 499 permutations under split-plot constraints. This first outline confirmed ethnobotany as a viable tool in search for plant genetic resources in cosmetic industries. These findings could be incorporated into future conservation management plans of forest genetic resources in Togo and other tropical countries.