Natural cosmetic products offer a safe alternative to chemical cosmetic products which may cause skin irritation or harm the environment.
Natural ingredients tend to be organic and ethically sourced due to coming from renewable natural sources and having undergone minimal processing.
Preservatives
Natural cosmetic products contain fewer harsh chemicals, making them gentler on the skin. Furthermore, they often offer more nutrients and minerals to support complexion nourishment compared to conventional products. Furthermore, they’re often environmentally-friendly with sustainably-sourced ingredients and biodegradable formulations.
Natural cosmetics are made up of various ingredients and therefore suitable for all skin types; however, due to their delicate formulas and shorter shelf lives they may require more frequent application than alternative options.
Many products claiming to be “natural” or “organic” may still contain synthetic chemical ingredients that could mislead consumers into believing them as such. To protect yourself from false claims, always read through and look for third-party certifications of products before making your purchasing decisions.
Fragrances
Fragrances are an effective way to customize our skin and hair appearance while simultaneously elevating our mood, increasing self-esteem, and forging positive social interactions. But perfumes should never replace good hygiene practices.
Natural perfumes are free from chemicals and petrochemicals that could potentially irritate or trigger allergies, and instead contain essential oils and plant extracts which offer numerous health benefits for body, mind, and soul.
Aromatic oils such as jojoba and shea can help moisturize skin, while lavender and ylang-ylang have soothing qualities that can reduce anxiety. In fact, many of these aromatic oils have long been used as healing remedies and in perfumery and medicine alike – not to mention anti-ageing benefits! These essential oils promote cell turnover to diminish fine lines and wrinkles as well as improving your sleep and relieving anxiety or stress – which makes natural perfumeries all the more worthwhile!
Parabens
Parabens have long been used as preservatives in cosmetic products that come into direct contact with skin and eyes, protecting from bacteria, fungus, yeast and mold growth. Their use helps reduce waste by prolonging shelf-life of an item and making multiple purchases possible.
Some individuals are concerned about parabens due to reports linking them with endocrine disruption and hormone-mimicking properties that mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns they could contribute to breast cancer and other health problems. However, international regulatory bodies have studied parabens and concluded they are safe when used at low concentrations; for those concerned, natural and organic beauty and body products (typically labeled such) might be an alternative solution – talk to your physician about conducting a patch test to identify any sensitivities or contact their dermatologist about conducting an allergy test so you know exactly which product contains parabens!
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is an ingredient widely used in non-toxic, well-tolerated cosmetics to soften skin and lips, with benefits ranging from moisturization and lubricity, to being an emollient and laxative. You’ll often find it found in baby lotions, cold creams and ointments as well as rectal enemas or hemorrhoid treatments containing mineral oil.
Mineral oil used as part of skincare should generally be safe as long as it meets cosmetic grade specifications and does not fall into industrial-grade usage; however, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction when applied topically.
European cosmetic regulations are stringent; only refined mineral oils and waxes compliant with European Pharmacopoeia standards may be used in products for topical skin application. Distillation, extraction or crystallization processes ensure these ingredients do not contain contaminants such as carcinogenic PAH’s that might enter bloodstream through skin contact.
