Natural cosmetics are an expanding subsegment of the cosmetic market. Containing mostly plant and mineral ingredients, natural cosmetics stand apart from classic offerings which often contain significant chemical and synthetic components.
Real natural/organic beauty products do not contain harmful chemicals that penetrate the skin, nor parabens. Furthermore, these products often lack palm oil, hormone-active substances and synthetic colors – all characteristics associated with synthetic colors.
Ayurvedic healing techniques
Ayurved treatments provide an integrative, custom approach to healing and rejuvenation that utilizes traditional knowledge from India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurvedic practices strive to achieve balance among body, mind and spirit for overall healing of individuals.
Ayurvedic healing techniques typically include abhyanga (self-massage with warm herbal oils); steam therapy (swedana); and marma therapy, which uses massage to stimulate vital energy points within the body. Furthermore, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend diet plans tailored specifically for each person’s unique constitution or dosha.
Research has demonstrated the efficacy of Ayurved healing techniques, including detoxes, in enhancing quality of life and alleviating symptoms for chronic health conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis. Ayurved healing also plays an important part in disease prevention; one study demonstrated its use to decrease atherosclerosis-related plaque buildup in arteries while decreasing heart attack risk; another discovered using yoga combined with herbal remedies can significantly decrease symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.
Natural extracts
Natural extracts are widely used in natural cosmetic products for their health and beauty benefits, often more so than synthetic ingredients and with lower costs overall than most other options. Plus, they’re better for the environment!
Clean beauty brands are increasingly committed to minimizing their environmental footprint by using eco-friendly production and supply chain systems, working with local farms for ethical sourcing of ingredients, etc.
Moon Cosmetics (also known as Fat and the Moon) stands out by using natural, organic and plant-based ingredients in their products – their Bio Bronzer Stick is an example of this; offering sun-kissed glow without using harmful chemicals and made with ingredients ethically sourced. Furthermore, refill options for their products are also provided by this brand.
Mineral oils
Mineral oil is an increasingly popular beauty ingredient and ingredient found in everyday food items like candies to prevent sticking together. Mineral oil is a semi-solid compound derived from petroleum (a fossil fuel). It’s colorless and odorless emollient property is beneficial in providing skin protection, acting as both solvent and protective shield.
Mineral oil may be included as part of some skincare products, but those prone to acne should stay clear of it altogether. Clogged pores interfere with your body’s ability to release toxins naturally while leaving skin looking dry and flaky.
However, cosmetic mineral oils must first be purified to meet stringent purity standards before being included in a product. Studies have revealed that such purified mineral oils do not contain any cancer-causing agents; nevertheless, it is best to avoid chemicals altogether, particularly if your skin is particularly delicate or inflamed.
Parabens
Parabens can mimic estrogen and disrupt your natural hormonal balance, leading to issues like reproductive issues in both men and women. Research suggests that high doses of parabens could even contribute to breast cancer risk. Parabens can be found in many common cosmetics and toiletries like lotions, soaps, shower gels, sunscreens containing these chemicals (methylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben should be avoided).
Finding clean beauty products can help protect you from these potentially harmful preservatives. When shopping, look for labels with “paraben-free” on them and products containing natural preservatives like natural oils of oregano, tea tree and thyme as preservatives; or find brands committed to green cosmetics that use paraben-free products because these will likely cause less irritation or rashes than others.