Natural cosmetic products have a positive effect on one’s overall health. They contain no synthetic perfumes and colors, parabens, phthalates or sulphates – and also feature naturally sourced ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals.
An organic product must contain 70% organically produced ingredients that have been grown, harvested, and processed according to international standardized processes.
They are made from natural ingredients
Natural cosmetic ingredients are an emerging industry, offering numerous advantages over synthetic ones such as avoiding harsh chemicals and being more eco-friendly. Unfortunately, there is sometimes the misperception that natural ingredients don’t perform as well compared to synthetic ones – however this isn’t necessarily true so always check the list of ingredients when purchasing any product.
Nature-identical ingredients, also known as nature-identical components, are chemically identical to their natural counterparts and may even be produced synthetically with biotechnology. An example of such an ingredient would be sorbic acid which comes from rowan berries as an example of natural ingredient.
Recent studies revealed that products labeled as natural or botanical contained allergenic fragrance constituents, including the perfume compounds limonene and hexyl cinnamal. This finding supports other findings which demonstrate that fragrance-free natural products often contain similar amounts of fragrance chemicals as standard ‘parfum’ products.
They are not tested on animals
On the market are several organic and natural cosmetic products that do not test on animals. Furthermore, they use ethically-sourced ingredients. However, just because a product is labeled “natural,” doesn’t necessarily equate with being cruelty free – many companies make claims such as “cruelty-free,” “bio,” or “eco-friendly” even though their formulations contain several synthetic components.
As part of a growing movement towards ethical beauty products and practices, many companies have adopted cruelty-free policies. Some have banned animal testing in their facilities while others use non-animal tests, raw material safety testing or controlled human use testing as alternatives.
Urban Decay and Herbivore have become widely-known cosmetic brands for their commitment to cruelty free makeup, with Herbivore standing out as a particular champion of sustainability by offering an expansive line of vegan products such as primers and eyeshadow palettes – with prices that make these cosmetics highly accessible.
They are more expensive than conventional cosmetics
Conventional cosmetic products typically consist of synthetic chemicals and artificial ingredients, offering quick results and long-term wear, but often being harsh on skin, leading to allergies or irritation and contributing to environmental pollution. By contrast, natural cosmetics use clean ingredients, support sustainable farming and production practices and bear higher costs due to certifications, packaging requirements, etc. As a result, their prices reflect this.
Opting between conventional and natural cosmetics is a personal choice that should take your skin type, specific needs and budget into account. Finding the ideal balance can best be achieved through speaking to a dermatologist.
They are more environmentally friendly
Natural cosmetic products have become an increasingly popular choice among consumers who prioritize sustainable and ethical practices, providing more effective antimicrobial properties than synthetic preservatives. Unfortunately, however, some natural ingredients may have an adverse impact on the environment due to deforestation or unsustainable exploitation of plant extracts and essential oils sourced from renewable resources. As an answer, responsible brands have implemented sustainability strategies and sourcing policies which promote organic farming with certification programs to support organic certification standards.
Many cosmetics that claim to be natural or eco-friendly contain only trace amounts of natural ingredients while relying heavily on chemical additives – known as greenwashing. To protect themselves against misleading claims made about natural cosmetics, consumers should look out for third-party certifications and environmental standards when shopping natural cosmetics, in order to identify trustworthy brands which prioritize animal welfare and environmental protection as well as cruelty-free vegan companies that make their products.
